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Hazel Kirke 

A Domestic Comedy Drama in Four Acts 
















By 

Steele MacKaye 

Author of "Won at Last," "Thro the Dark," 
"Rose Michel," etc. 
















Copyrighted by J. S. MacKaye, 1880 

Copyright renewed by Mary M. MacKaye, 1908 

All Rights of Performance 

and Publication Reserved 















LIBRARY of CONGSESS! 
1 wo CoDies KeceivM 

JUL 2 )^08 

CLASS P ^ /OlC. Nl.. 
COPY B^ 



CHARACTERS. 



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Dunstan Kirkc, miller of Blackhourn Mill. 
Arthur Carringford, Lord Travers. 
Pittacus Green, friend of Carringford. 
Methuselah Muggins, an original. 
Barney O'Flynn, Carringford's servant. 

r~. ' I Miller's bo\s. 

Dan,) 

Hazel Kirke, daughter of Dunstan. 

Mercy, zvife of Dunstan. 

Dolly Dutton, Hazel's cousin. 

Lady Travers, mother of Carringford. 



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Hazel Kirke 



ACT 1. 

(Scene: Exterior of Dunstan Kirke's mill. At R. 
exterior of house opening into courtyard and at L. 
large gateivay. Walls to courtyard, covered with 
vines, viezv of mill-zvheel in hack-ground. Dozen R. 
bench, dozvn L. rustic table and tzvo chairs, pile of 
empty bags up stage C, broom in porch, piano inside 
R. 2, E. Call piccolo before ringing up.) 
(Joe discovered marking bags C, Miller boys cross 
behind zcall, zi.'ith bags of grain on shoulders.) 

Dunstan. 
(Inside.) Here. Dan, ye dolt — more bags — be off, boy ! 

Dan. 
(Appearing behind zcall, to Joe.) More bags — more bags 
for market ! 

Joe. 

Drat it — give me time to mark 'em, can't ye? 

Dan. 
Oh, I don't care how long ye take — but old man Kirke is 
gettin' into one of his tempers ! 

■' Joe. 

Oh. his tempers be dinged — I'm doin' my best — no man can 
do more ! 

(Met heard outside playing pipe.) 

There's that young ne'er do week Methuselah Miggins, 
blowin' that frightful pipe o' his again! 

Dan. 
Aye, an' he's always a-blowin' it ! Wherever did Maister 
Kirke find the creature? 

J(M-. ^ 
He was left on Mai.ster Kirke's hands by some help he had 
— who had the impudence to die — and leave this babby for Maister 
to take care on. he growed up the mischievous booby ye see him — 
and nobodv can do nothin' wi' him ! 



6 H A Z n L K I R K E [Act i. 

Dan. 
Except Mistress Hazel Kirke, the miller's daughter — she can 
manage him wi' a look ! 

DUNSTAN. 

(Outside.) Hi there — are ye never coomin" wi' those bags? 

Dan. 
There goes the miller — hoory, man — or we'll all be killed ! 

Joe. 
(Handing bags to him.) Here take these and coom back for 
more ! 

DuNSTAN. 

(Outside.) Will ye bring those bags, ye lazy dolt? 

Dan. 

(Running off.) Aye, aye — I'm coomin'' (Exit.) 
(Enter Mercy.) 

Mercy. 
(Calls.) Dolly, Dolly, child— 

Dolly. 
(Inside.) Aye, aye — aunt! 

Mercy. 
Hoory — bring the bundles for market into the courtyard, 
lass ! 

(Millers appear ivith bags on shoulders.) 

Dan. 

(Rushing in.) Bags, more bags, Joe! 

Joe. 
(Handing bags.) Here ye are! I'll bring the rest myself! 

(Dan takes bags and e.r-its R. Joe takes remainder, 
passes through gateway L.. behind fence, disappears R.) 

Mercy. 
(Impatiently.) Dolly, Dolly lass — what's keepin' ye? 

Dolly. 
(Entering R. with bundles.) Here I am. Aunt Mercy — 

Mercy. 
Has thee got the homespun, lass? 

Dolly. 
Aye — here 'tis — bundled and ready to go ! 



Act I.] HAZEL KIRKB 7 

Mercy. 
Here, tie it up wV the rest o' these ! 

Dolly. 
(Tying bundles.) La — Aunt Mercy — is Uncle Kirke going 
to tak" all these to market wi' him? 

Mercy. 
Aye. girl — times be hard and money must be had for Hazel's 
wedding day! 

Dolly. 
Hazel's wedding day? 

Mercy. 
Aye, child — her feyther has decided that Hazel must marry 
Squire Rodney within three months ! 

Dolly. 
Oh, how I hate that Squire Rodney! 

Mercy. 
Hate him — what for, pray? 

Dolly. 
For stealing our Hazel away from her happiness! 

Mercy. 
What dost mean, girl? 

Dolly. 
You're going to make Hazel marry Squire Rodney for grati- 
tude — but it won't do, aunt! Gratitude is not the stuff to make 
a happy marriage of! 

Mercy. 
Peace — lass — peace ! 

Dolly. 
La, Aunt Mercy, you'd say peace to the wicked one himseli 
if he were here ! 

Mercy. 
I think he be here indeed, Dolly — in thy temper! 

Dolly. 
Temper! Well, who has a better right to a temper? My 
mother was your husband's sister, and all the world knows that 
Dunstan Kirke has the worst temper in Lancashire ! 

Dun STAN. 
(Outside, in rage.) Coom, coom — off wi' ye — don't lollop 
around here all day ! 



8 HAZEL K I R K E [Act i . 

(Millers cross as before with bags.) 
(Eo flowing.) Hurry to market, and don't loaf, for I'll be 
after ye wi' the yoniig colt — as fast as I can L (E.vits after 
fhein behind fence L.) 

Is everything' here, Dolly ? 

DOLLV, 

Aye. all 1 had to gfet 1 

Dun STAN. 
(Outside L.) Here, here I say — stand round and make 
things right so and so — and so — don't ye see? 

DOLLV. 

Talk of tempers — listen to I'ncle Kirke. raging like a mad 
buIU 

MfiT. 

(Elying front L.j Hi. look out, he's coomin' f (Exits.) 

DUNSTAN. 

(Entering, excifedly.) Drat 'em, drat 'em. I say — they're 
enoug'h to make a divil o' a saint ! 

Mercv. 
(Soothingly.) There, there, dear heart — have patience, pa- 
tience! 

Dl'nstan. 
Patient — I am patient — patient as an ang^el— drat the stupid 
fools — it's taken me ill day to get 'em off K 

(Hazel sings and plays piano outside R.) 
(Anger passes azvay, sinks in chair, near table, with satis- 
faction, at end of so)ig.) Ah— that does me good — that does me 
good ! Hazel's a lass to g'ladden a feyther's heart — as modest 
as a miller's girl should be — and as fine mannered and accom- 
plished as any lady i' the land ! 

(Enter Rodney L., with samples of grain.) 

Mercy. 
Yes — she's well edicated now ! 

Dunstan. 
Thanks to Squire Rodney — 'twas he got her the larnin' ! 

Dolly. 
And he'll be well paid for it too — when she's his wife ! 

Dunstan. 
That'll soon be now, lass ! 



Act I.] HAZEL K 1 R K E 9 

RODXEV. 

I Advanciuii.) I'm not so sure of that! 

Dun STAN. 
Ah. Maister Rodney — here at last] (Shakes hands.) An<l 
^vhat's that }e"re not so sure of? 

RoilXEV. 

That Hazel Kirke will ever be my wife! 

DUNSTAN. 

Xot.be thy wife? What's coom to thee, man. to say so 
strange a word! Didn't ye save me from ruin — and the old 
mill from changing hands seven years ago. and didn't Hazel 
promise then to be your wife, an' didn't ye send her off to school 
to learn how to be the lady o' Rodney Hall ? 

Rodney. 
True. Dunstan, l3ut she was only 14 then, and I in mv 
forties — I forgot that when she came of age. I'd be fift\' and 
growing old! There's many a slip "twixt the cup and the lip. 
you know? 

Dl'X.STAN. 

A\'hat dost mean, man? 

RODNEV. 

Accidents, may happen — and girls" hearts may change. Since 
you saved young Carringford from drowning, and brought him 
in here I've noticed a change in Hazel's manner to me — you 
don't see what I see! 

Dunstan. 
An' what dost see, sir? 

Rodney. 
I see a fine, handsome, brave young man ill and helples.'^. 
I see a lovely young girl waiting upon him — nursing him back 
to life,- I see two young hearts looking at each other through 
young eyes, talking to each other with young tongues, touching 
each other with young iiands. and — well, I know what this must 
come to soon ! • 

DuxsTAN. 
iMaister Rodney! (Rises.) Maister Rodney— there is a 
Holy Book that Hazel reads to us every day ! Dost think that 
she can ever forget that that book commands us to keep our 
faith ? 

Rodney. 
When the heart speaks, Dunstan — all other voices are dumli ! 



10 HAZEL KIRK E [Act T. 

DUNSTAN. 

A promise be a promise I If my child were fo break her 
word. I'd drive her out as I would a scorpion on my hearth! 
Everybody knows the metal I'm made of — What I say I'll do — 
I'll do, and I tell thee now, Aaron Rodney, that this day three 
months. Hazel Kirke shall be thy wife I 

Hazel. 
(Outside.) Thanks. I've found them — I'll go myself! 

Rodney. 
(Rising.) Hush — she's coming — not a word of my fears 
to her [ 

Hazel. 
(Enters porch R.) (Goes to Ditnstan.) Here, father, are 
.«;ome letters I want you to post — you won't forget? 

DuNSTAN. 

Nothing that thee can ask, lass — not while thy face shines 
as bright wi' innocence as it do now! (Passing her to Rod.) 
There's Maister Rodney, child ! 

(Enter Mercv and Dolly. Piccolo ready.) 

Hazel. 
(Giving hand.) Good morning. Mr. Rodnev ! (Gives hand.) 

Dun STAN. 

Nay. lass — Don't mind us — give him a kiss, a good, hearty, 
honest girl's kiss ! 

Hazel. 
(Laughing.) That's something I never refused him yet ! 
(Rodney kisses her, she turns to Mercy.) Now, mother, have 
you given father the list of things you want? 

Mercy. 
Not yet, lass — sit down and write it for him ! 
(Hazel sits at table and icrites.) 

DuNSTAN. 

(To Rod.) Well, now — what girl could ha' given a franker 
kiss than that? 

Rodney. 
Aye, 'twas frank enough — 'twas frank enough ! (Goes up.) 

Hazel. 
(Crossing to Duns.) Here, father, is the list of things for 
you to get. 



Act I.] HAZEL KIRKE 11 

DUNSTON. 

A' reet, girl — now wife, where's the stufif for me to tak 
to market? 

(All begin to load him zvith things.) 

Dolly. 
Here's the rags and the hose! 

Mercy. 
An' here's the homespun ! 

Rodney. 
(Rodney is at table, touches parcel.) x\nd here are my 
samples of grain! 

Hazel. 
And here are my letters — Don't forget the list! 

DUNSTAN. 

No, girl — I shan't forget anything! (Going, stops, turns.) 
Ah, I'm forgettin" to ask after Maister Carringford ! How is 
he this mornin', lass? 

Hazel. 
Better— I think! 

DuNSTAN. 
He's been here, more nor a month — he's a long time a-get- 
tin' well ! 

Hazel. 
But think how horribly he was hurt? 
(1st music ready.) 

DuNSTAN. 

x\ye — but I've seen older bones sooner mended ! It's time 
he were well and off to his work — this is no place for idle hands. 
Give him a hint, girl, an' here, gi' me a partin' kiss. (Kisses 
her.) God be wi' ye, child, an' keep ye always the blessin' that 
ye are! (Music.) (Exits through gate L., follozved by Rodney 
and Mercy.) 

Hazel. 

(Sitting R. of table.) Ah, thank Heaven he cannot see the 
wickedness of my wretched, wretched heart ! 
(Met plays pipe R.) 

Joe. 
• (Outside.) Get out of this! 

Met. 
(Outside.) Hi — hold on — take that ! (Crash.) 



12 HAZEL KIRKE [Act r. 

Hazel. 
(Starting.) What's that? 

Dolly. 
Oh, another row, between Joe and Met ! 

Hazel. 
Joe is always abusing poor Met ! 

(Cries outside. Met rushes in.) 
(Joe enters.) 

Met. 
(Hiding behind Hazel.) Save me, save me ! 

Joe. 
(With stick.) Where is he, let me get at him ! 

Hazel. 

No, no — you shall not touch him ! 

Joe. 
(In rage.) I will, and no woman shall stop me ! 

Met. 
(Squaring off.) Come on, Joe — I'd rather fight then blow 
my pipe ! 

Dolly. 
(Laughing.) Ha, ha — the boy has found a bit of pluck 
at last! 

Hazel. 
(Soothingly.) There, there, Joe— no more of this. Leave 
him to me and I'll punish him for you ! 

Met. 
I'd rather be punished by you, missus, than petted by a' 
the rest ! 

Hazel. 
Well, then — come with me ! 

Met. 
(Suspiciously.) Are ye goin' to Mr. Carringford? 

Hazel. 
Why do you ask that? 

Met. 

Because if you are, I won't go — I hate him ! 

Hazel. 
Hate him — what for? 



Aft I.] HAZEL K I RK B 13 

Met. 
Because you love him so ! 

Hazel. 
(Severely.) How dare you say that? 

Met. 
Because it's true ! 

Hazel. 
(Severely, extending hand.) Met. come with me this in- 
stant ! 

Met. 
Where ? 

Hazel. 
To pick some flowers ! 

'SIet. 
Oh. then I'll go, mistress — then I'll go! (Takes her hand, 
she exits, at gate he turns and bahs at Joe, exits. Joe starts, 
and rnns at Jiini.) 

Dolly. 
(Holding him hack.) Come, come Joe — I want you to 
help me bring my things out here — it's cooler working here than 
inside ! 

Joe. 

(Going with her.) All right, show me the things you want! 
(Exeunt into house.) 

(Enter Barney, followed by Dan'.) 

Dan. 
This be the mill ye're askin' after! (Exit L.) 

Barney. 
So there's the mill dam, where my master was drowned 
about six weeks since ? 

Dolly. 
(Appears at door zvith Joe, carrying table.) Take care 
now. Joe — don't spill the potatoes ! 

Barney. 

(Stepping aside.) Some one coming, I'll step aside and 
reconnoitre the situation ! 

(They place table up L.) 

Dolly. 
There now — that's all I want of ye — go and look after 
Met ! 



14 HAZEL KIRKE lAct r. 

Joe. 
(Going.) I'd rather look after the fiend himself! (Exit L.) 

Barney. 
(Advances from R.) H-m-m ! 

Dolly. 
(Up C, turns.) Who's this? 

Barney. 
Only myself, miss ! 

Dolly. 
And who are you? 

Barney. 
Barney O'Flynn — the lackey of my lord ! 

Dolly. 
Who's your lord? 

Barney. 
Wan of your lodgers, I belave ! 

Dolly. 
A lord lodging here — ye're wrong, man, this is no place for 
lords ! 

Barney. 
True enough, darlin' — but still my lord is here ! 

Dolly. 
Will ye give me the lie in my own house — get out of this, 
you unmannerly brute ! (Raises broom.) 

Barney. 
Hould, now — hould ! Sure, here's his direcshun in me own 
hand, this minute ! (Produces letter.) Lord Travers, at Dun- 
fetan Kirke's mill — Blackburn — Lancashire ! Isn't this Lan- 
cashire ? 

Dolly. 
Yes ! 

Barney. 
An' isn't this Blackburn? 

Dolly. 
Yes! 

Barney. 
An' Isn't this the mill of Dunstan Kirke? 



Act L] HAZEL KIkKB 15 

Dolly. 
Yes! 

Barney. 
Very well, thin — Lord Travers is here — just as sure as Y\vi 
Barney O'Flynn — an' there's the proof av it — a letter calling 
^Master Arthur home to oust ! 

Dolly. 
-Arthur — Arthur Carringford ? 

Barney. 
Yes — he's Lord Travers — and I've come to take him hack 
in a howl of a hurry, too — where is he? 

Dolly. 
There — in the house ! 

Barney. 

Oh, he is — is he — an' you were going to drive me out of 
this? (Imitating.) Will ye give the lie in my own house! 
Never mind, darlin' — I forgive yo — I forgive 

Dolly. 
(Striking him with broom.) Get out of this, ye fool ! 

(Barney rushes off through porch.) 
Mr. Carringford a lord — and in love with Hazel, too — aye. 
he is — I know he is — I can see it in his face every time he looks 
at her. .A.h, if poor Hazel were only free, she might he Lady 
Travers, rich and grand ! He's won her heart already — yes, 
and except for Mr. Rodney, he'd have her hand as well! (Goes 
up to table, begins to clean carrots.) Ah. if I were Hazel, I 
know what I'd do, I'd marry the man 1 loved in spite of all 
the world ! 

(Green sings outside R.) 
Ah, who's that fine young swell coming this way ? 

(Green enters, humming, sees her, stops, strikes atti- 
tude, finishes strain icith "My face is my fortune," etc.) 
(Amazed.) \\\vc\i sort of a creature is this? 

Green. 
You're the sweetest picture of surprise. 
That ever yet has blessed my eyes ! 
'Tis true, and by my soul I swear it ! (Pointing to wall.) 
Will you permit me? 

Dolly. 
Permit what ? 

Green. 
To change the situation — thus ! (Leaps over.) Ha. ha ! 



16 HAZEL K I [< « /■: n-t 8. 

DOLLV. 

What are j'on, sir? 

Green, 
A hunter of heroes ! 

Dolly, ; 

What brings 3^011 here? 

Green. 
A tyrant called — ctiriosity I 

DoLLV, 

La, the man is mad ! 

Green. 

No. I grieve to say I'm not — I wish T were — madmen arc 

monsters — everything monstrous is fascinating — but I, alas-— 
I'm not fascinating" — am I? 

DoLLV. 

La, man — I don't know what you are f 

Green. 
You may not beheve it — but I once was born — a baby, too 
At the early age of one day, I howled to see the world ! 
Luckily, my father made. 
A handsome . fortune in lemonade. 
By the aid of which. I'm glad to say, 
I am enabled now to day. 
To see the world and have my way. 
That way remark is this : 
To go where I please, see what I please, say what I please. 
and please where I can — do you understand? 

Dolly. 
Not a single word you say ! 

Green. 
That's just what I supposed. I will be plain, in fact- — of 
course, in feature 'twould be utterly impossible — Hm ! I was 
born — is that clear? 

Dolly. 

Of course ! 

Green. 
And born queer? 

DOLLY- 

That's clearer still ! 



Act L] HAZEL KIRKB U 

Green. 
That queerness born in me. 
Now brings me here to thee — 
For let me tell you here, 
That this is how I'm queer i 
A monster or a hero I adore — ordinary mortals 1 detest, 
they're too much like I'ittacus Green] 

Dolly. 
And who is ] Mttacus Green ? 

Green, 
The humble and devoted slave now gazing in your eyes! 
( Seeing carrot in her hand.) "Will you permit me? To relieve 
you of the humble vegetable th.at cumbers these fair hands. ^ .Ah, 
yes — thank you! (Puts it on table L.J 

Dolly. 
And so you are Pittacus Green ? 

CiRl'tEN. 

That is my distinguished name — Pit-ta-cus Green — or, as I 
am called for short, Pitty Green — which is maddening! Xow, 
if it were Pitty Black, or Blue, or Brown — but Pitty Green — 
besides it's so hanged appropriate — of course, everybody pities 
Green! You may not believe it — but they say I'm cracked! 

Dolly. 
(Recoils, crosses L.) Mercy, me! 

Green. 

( )h, don't fear — it's lovely to be cracked! 

Dolly. 
Lovely to be cracked ? 

Green. 
Of course — convince men that you are cracked, and they 
will let you do the oddest things — they'll smile instead of frown ! 
Now, a smile from lips like yours, I'd play any game to get — 
do you understand me now ? 

Dolly. 
( Loni^hin<^.) I'd be a donkey if I didn't! 1 understand, 
and like you, too. and so, frankly — there's Dolly Duttun's hand 
to ])rove it ! 

Green. 

Dollv Dutton — your name is Dolly Dutton — delightful Dolly 
Dutton — D. D. D. You may not believe it — but you're an angel 
— in-d'deed Will you permit me? (Pointinf^ to her hand.) 



18 HAZEL K I R K E [Act i. 

DoLLV, 

Anything that's honest ! 

Green. 
(Attempts to kiss her hand; she snatches it cm'oy; he kisses 
his ozcn hand.) Ah, I see — consider me a beggar at your feet! 

Dolly. 
Now, tell me truly — what is it that brings you here? 

Green. . 
As I said before — a monster or a hero I adore ! 

Dolly. 

And do you expect to find a monster here? 

Green. 

Yes — one in particular — Dunstan Kirke. A monster of 
goodness — who, during the last ten years, has saved from death 
by drowning — at least forty souls, with their bodies attached 
to 'em ! 

Dolly. 
An' so you're here to see my surly old uncle — who saves 
other folks, perhaps, but he destroys his own daughter! 

Green. 
Superb — a charming old creature — tell me all about him ! 
(Sits L. of L. table.) 

Dolly. 
(Crossing to table.) You've heard of the many he's saved — 
have you heard of the one he's sold ? 

Green. 

Someone sold — delightful — who was it ? 

Dolly. 
The pride of this family, sir — my cousin — Hazel Kirke — 
She's the one that's sold I 

Green. 
Indeed — poor thing, I sympathize — you may not believe 
it — but — don't tell — I've been sold myself — who sold her? 

Dolly. 
Her own fayther — Dunstan Kirke — your hero ! 

Green. 
Good gracious — why did he do it? 

Dolly. 
Because he loves this old mill more than anything else ! 



Act I.] HAZEL KIRKB 19 

Seven years ago, the bank that held my uncle's savings broke, 
and the old man was about to lose the mill, when Aaron Rodney 
loaned him the money without interest or .security ! 

Green. 
The foolhardy old Jew — what was his little game? 

Dolly. 
When the mill was safe, Dunstan Kirke asked the Squire 
what he could do to prove his thankfulness! 

Green. 
Oh, oh — I smell a rat ! 

Dolly. 
"Kirke." said the Squire, "you have a daughter whom I 
like — give me leave to send her off to school, have her taught, 
and then become my wife !" 

Green. 
That's the rat I smelt, and so she. a thoughtless girl, makes 
a rash promise to an old scoundrel, that is sure to play the d — '■ 
hm with them both ! 

Dolly. 
Why. how did you know that ? 

Green. 
Quite simply. I guessed it ! 

Dolly. 
vVell, then, you're not such a fool as you look ! 

Green. 
Bless you for those kind words ! Proceed — what became of 
your cousin? 

Dolly. 
Seven years ago, she was sent to school — six months since, 
she returned ! 

Green. 
Awfully fond of old Rod, of course? 

Dolly. 
She's proud and silent, sir — ^but I, who love her, read her 
heart, and I know that Aaron Rodney is not the man she loves 1 

Green. 
The situation inspires me ! What vyould you say if I were 
to clear vour cousin Hazel of the bargain ? 



20 H A Z E L KIR K E [Act i. 

Dolly. 
(Rises; crosses to R.) I'd say you were the best man that 
ever crossed the threshold of Blackburn mill ! 

Green. 

(Crosses to R.) What would you give to have it done? 

Dolly. 
Anything I've got ! 

Green. 
Even your heart ? 

Dolly. 
La, man — I haven't got any ! 

Green. 
Well, then, would you give that fashionalile substitute — 
your hand ? 

Dolly. 
Yes, if you'd care to take it! (Stickiiiii oiif dirfy hand.) 

Green. 

(Taking it.) Hm — It's a little mouldy — misty, I mean — 
but it looks honest ! Yes, this is romance and I am the — Roman ! 
(Sei:^ing hand.) I'll be your best man ; I'll outwit old Rod or die ! 

Dolly. 
My goodness, man — how ? 

Green. 
You may not believe it — but I once had a mother — she could 
never wind a yarn without making a snarl, and I could never 
undo the snarl without telling a yarn ! 

Dolly. 
What of that? 

Green. 
I have great faith in the power of a yarn to undo a snarl — 
now, there's a snarl in this family — give me leave to tell yarns 
enough, and I'll guarantee to undo the snarl ! Why, bless me — ■ 
it's perfectly delightful ; I'm tempted to play a new role — turn 
dramatist in real life! We've only to manage a little to make 
the play what we please ! There's Dunstan Kirke — the stern 
father ; old Rodney — the heavy villain ; Hazel Kirks, the prettv 
victim ; the scheming cousin — that's you — the good-natured busy- 
body — that's me ; and 

Dolly. 
Well, and why do you stop? 



Act I.] HAZEL KIRKB 21 

Green. 
Confound it. Here's a heroine chained to a rock, about to 
1)e devoured b}- a dragoon — dragon, I mean ; wanted Perseus, the 
hero! As Byron says, I want a hero; an uncommon one, whom 
every month gives forth a new one — Don Juan — I have it — we'll 
advertise ! 

( Arthur whistles outside.) 
Hello — who's this — what's that? 

Dolly. 
Only one of my uncle's patients ! 

Green. 
Who is he? 

(Enters Arthur in porch.) 

Dolly. 
Here he comes — find out for yourself ! 

Green. 

(Sees him.) Behold, the conquering" hero comes! (Goes R.) 

Arthur. 
(Enters from porch; goes up C; looks over fence, etc.) 
1 say. Miss Dolly — have you seen my dog? 

Dolly. 
I have not — perhaps he's with Hazel ; she went off with 
Met a while ago — shall I find him for you ? 

Arthur. 
You're very/ kind — if it isn't too much trouble. I should 
be glad of a little of Miss Hazel's company if she's at leisure! 
You know I must so soon leave this dear old place ! (Sits at 
. table.) 

Dolly. 
I'll try and find her, sir! (E.vit L. C.) 

Green. 
(Looks at Arthur: starts.) Ye gods of war! 

Arthur. 
(Noticing him for first time.) Hm — what idiot is this? 

Green. 
It is — it is — by the bolts of Jove, it is ; (Rises.) 

Arthur. 
(Coolly.) Indeed — is it — what is? 



22 HAZEL KIRKE [Act L 

Green. 
By heaven, you may not believe it, but I'll swear I'm a 
cow, or this is Lord Travers ! 

Arthur. 

(Rising angrily.) Who is Lord Travers ? 

Green. 
You is — am — are; look at me sharp; don't you remember 
P. G. ; have you forgotten our tiger-hunt in India ? Ah. there 
was a monster worth meeting ; he met you and treed you, too ; 
can't you recall your old comrade of the jungle — Pittacus, the 
mouse, that freed you, the lion ? Why it was the proudest shot 
of my life? 

Arthur. 
(Extending hand.) On my life — is it possible — you here? 

Green. 
Of course I am ! (Wringing his hand.) And bless my 
condemned little soul, how glad I am to see you ! 

Arthur. 
Hold on — stop — do you know what you are doing? 

Green. 
What am I doing? 

Arthur. 
The arm you are torturing is only half mended! (Goes L. 
of table.) 

Green. 
Gracious — what do you mean? 

Arthur. 
That this is a broken arm, but slightly convalescent ! 

Green. 
(Seizing carrot from table.) Travers — I'm a brute — Take 
that, and crack my skull! (Offers carrot.) 

Arthur. 
(Sitting.) Thanks, dear boy — it's cracked enough already! 

Green. 
Yes — precisely, I see, your vengeance is complete ! (Sits R.) 

Arthur. 
Now, tell me how you found me out? 

Green. 
Oh, quite naturally — by accident, the usual way — how did 
you get here? 



Act L] HAZE J. K I R K E 23 

Arthur. 
Came to Lancashire to escape the tiresome nonsense of 
town-hfe; went shooting with my dog; attempted to cross the 
stream by a tree that lay over it, just above the dam 

Green. 
The what ? 

Arthur. 
The dam ! 

Green. 
Oh — damn ! 

Arthur. 
Shpped, hke a fool — fell, broke my arm in falling, and sank 
unconscious into the water! 

Green. 

(Breaking carrot in tii'o.) Merciful Powers! 

Arthur. 
My dog sprang in and held me above the surface; Kirke. 
the miller, caught sight of us ; jumped in ; pulled me out and 
lodged me here, where I've had the best of care for the last 
six weeks ! 

Green. 

(Holds up each half of the carrot or encumber, to represent 
the sold and the saved; exchanges them once, and at end of 
speech, places small half on top of the other and holds it up- 
right.) Great fortune, I see it all — it's the manifest destiny! 
Why, think of it — the saved and the sold, side by side, beneath 
the same roof! My dear boy, you may not believe it, but I vow 
chere's more than accident in this arrangement ! 

Arthur. 
Undoubtedly! But your exclamations are slightly obscure! 

Greek. 
Look here, old man — let's get to business — time flies! I 
helped you once when you were in a cucinnber — no, no — I mean 
a pickle; (or, "in a carrot — no, no — I mean a stew") and now 
you must help me ! 

Arthur. 
With pleasure — how can I do it? 

Green. 

By falling desperately in love ! 



24 HAZEL KIRKE [Act i. 

Arthur. 
(Laughing.) Falling in love — why, that's your business! 
You know you were always falling in love ! 

Green. 
Of course — why not ? Come, live with me and be my love ; 
I love to live, and I live to love ! Ah, Travers — I've met my fate 
at last 1 

Arthur. 
Nonsense — you are always meeting your fate — who is it 
this time? 

Green. 
Dolly Button — the miller's niece ! 

Arthur. 
You'll find her rather a liely fate, I fancy ! 

Green. 
Precisely — that's the way I like 'em — she's a perfect mon- 
ster! 

Arthur. 
A monster? 

Green. 
Yes, a monster of beauty and goodness — but come, 1 say 
again, will you do me a favor and fall in love? 

Arthur. 
With you? 

Green. 
With me — nonsense — with a friend of mine — will you do it ? 

Arthur. 
Certainly — I find there's nothing easier than to fall — with 
whom must I fall in love? 

Green. 
An angel in a fix — Hazel Kirke — the miller's daughter ! 

Arthur. 
(Sternly.) Stop, sir — I shall not tolerate nonsense that 
touches her good name — understand this at once ! 

Green. 

Capital — I'm more than satisfied — I'm ecstatic ! You in love 
with her already ! 

Arthur. 
(Rising angrily.) Sir ! 



Act I.] HAZEL K I R K E 25 

(Hazel sings outside L.) 
(Starts; goes to gatezvay ; looks out; at end of song, crosses 
to Green.) Green. Miss Kirke is coming", I'm known here sim- 
ply as Arthur Carring'ford — you must not betray my title, it 
would only raise a barrier between me and the golden hearts to 
whom I owe so much ! 

Green. 
(Shokijig his hand.) Travers, you may not believe it. but 
I honor your sentiments, and will respect your wish ! 

Dolly. 
(Appearing in gate.) Here she is. Maister Carringford ! 
(Enter Hazel, zvith basket of flowers, followed by Met.) 

Hazel. 
(At gate: to Met.) Now, Met. go to Motlier Woodbury's 
cottage and "cut some wood for the poor thing, and stop there 
till I come ; I shall be there to help her with the children this 
afternoon ! 

Met 

All right, missus ; I'll go, but mind, it's for you. not the old 
woman ! (E.vit L.) 

Hazel. 
Good morning, Mr. Carringford ! 

Arthur. 
Good morning. Miss Hazel; I'm glad to have a glimpse 
of you at last. 

Met. 
(Appearing in gate.) Hi — missus — I say — may T go by 
the big woods? 

Hazel. 
No, Met — take the straight path, and follow your nose ! 
(Met exits, holding his nose.) 

Green. 
I'm afraid you've given him a terrible task ; if he follows 
his nose, he'll have a long journey before he gets to the end of it. 
Still, a brute with a long nose, generally has scents about him ! 
He. he. ha — that's a joke! (Hazel notices him with surprise.) 
Travers. don't you see? Not the joke — but what an idiot T'm 
making of myself — why don't you present me? 

Arthur. 
Miss Kirke — permit me to present a very dear old friend — ■ 
Mr. Pittacus Green! 



26 HAZEL K I R K E |Act r. 

Hazel. 
He's doubly welcome as your friend — and for his own frank 
face I (Extends hand.) 

Green. 
(Clasping hand.) Ah — oh — Miss Kirke, I'm a ven,'- old- 
fashioned young fool— will you permit me? (Kisses her hand.) 
I am your slave i (Down C. Aside.) Pittacus, there's no 
use— you're an assassin from this hour — the one dear purpose 
of your life is to bury Rodney without delay! (Turns.) 

Hazel. 
Let me share my treasures ! (Places flozver in Green's coat.) 
There — what do you say to that? 

(Rodney enters; stands near gatezvay.) 

Green. 
Nothing- — I'm dumb with delight! (Aside.) Decidedly — 
old Rodney is a (Turns; sees him.) d-o-om-ed man I (Sidles 
up C.) 

Hazel. 
(To Arthur; embarrassed.) Will you accept a flower? 

Arthur. 
(Taking it.) Thanks! (Goes up C.) 

Rodney. 
Hazel, now that you have quite ser\^ed the rest — can't you 
think of me a little ? 

Hazel. 
(Starting; with composure.) I did not see you, Mr. Rod- 
ney — you are welcome to what remains! (Hands basket; goes 
up.) 

Rodney. 
(Places basket on table.) Emblems of my hopes ; nothing 
but leaves — dead and withered leaves ! (Puts basket on table; 
exits through gate.) 

Green. 
(Up C.) As Hamlet says, that's wormwood! 

Arthur. 
(To Green.) Let us go — we're in the way! (To Hazel.) 
Miss Hazel — if you'll permit me, I'll take my friend off to my 
room for a talk of old times ! 

Hazel. 
Sorry to lose you ! 

(Arthur exits through porch.) 



Act I.] HAZEL KIRKE 27 

Green. 
My dear Miss Kirke — will you permit me? (Kisses hand.) 
You may not believe it. but by the justice of Jove, we will meet 
again ! 

(Hazel exits through gate.) 
(Sings strain of "We shall meet again." Gets R.) 

Dolly. 
(L.) Stop — stop — stop ! 

Green. 

(Ending with trill.) I must finish in the key, you know! 

Dolly. 
You promised to free my cousin Hazel from her bargain 
with the Squire ! When are you going to begin ! 

Green. 
The very next time I meet old Rod ! If there's a timid 
bone in his body, I'll make him come to terms ! He'll die a 
bachelor, just as sure as — as you're the prettiest girl that ever 
blest my eyes ! 

Dolly. 
La. Mr. Green, you're over full of sweet words. I'm think- 
ing! 

Green. 

(Taking her by the hands.) Dear me — if my words were 
only as sweet as your face.I'd put them on the market and 
bust up the sugar-trade! 

Dolly. 
Hoitty, toitty, man I (Going.) Keep your promise, Alaister 
Green, and I'll keep mine! (Exits through porch.) 

Green. 

(Looking after her.) Pittacus. you may not believe it, but 
the day that girl was born was the brightest in the year; Oh, 
love, oh. roses, nightingales, balconies, rope ladders and various 
things ! At last, poor Pitty, you have a work to do ; and what a 
work, to save two young and loving hearts from misery and a 
monster ! 

(Enter Rodney, by gate.) 

Stars of hope — the monster! Why. you're the very man, I 
want to see you ! 

Rodney. 

Well, sir — being here, I'm easily seen ! 



28 H A Z E L K 1 R K E l.\.-t \. 

Green. 

{Getting R. of table.) 

I'm Captain Green, of Her Majesty's marine. 
But I'm not as verdant as my name may seem! 
I know a wronged man when I see him — and I assure yon, 
sir, that you are one ! 

RooNEv. 
How am I wronged, sir? 

Green. 
Don't you remember what the poet says? She who steals 
my heart, steals trash, 'twas mine, 'tis hers, and lias been slave 
to thousands, but she who robs me of my purse, takes that which 
much enriches her, and leaves me poor, indeed ! Do you see 
the point? 

Rodney. 
It's a little dull ! 

Green. 
I'll sharpen it — A rich squire saves a father from ruin, and 
spends a little fortune in having the daughter taught enough to 
be a lady and his wife — that is the taking of the purse! 

Rodney. 
Well? 

Green. 

Before the wedding's had and the purse is paid for, a good- 
for-nothing fellow tumbles into a ditch — is fished out by the 
father, nursed by the daughter, and — well, this is the stealing of 
the heart — do you understand? 

Rodney. 
T think I do ! 

Green. 
Do you see the danger? 

Rodney. 
Not yet! 

Green. 
Why, it's as plain as your face — he — a — ha-ha ! You see, 
women are perverse. You may not believe it — but the silly 
fools, prefer hearts to pennies ; youth and beauty to age and 
ugliness ! Do you see now ? 

Rodney. 

1 should think I might. (Rises: crosses R.) 



Act L] n A Z E L K 1 R K E 29 

Green. 
Squire, there's but one way ; threaten, to fight the fellow ; 
challenge him and frighten him away — do you take? 

Rodney. 
I do! 

Green. 
Spoken like a man — when shall the fight begin ? 
(Dolly enters: ccatehcs fhein from porch.) 

Rodney. 
Without delay! 

Green. 
You're a hero, sir — a man of nerve! I'm proud to know 
you; count on me; count on me, sir, to fix things right! (Offers 
hand.) 

(Rodney refuses it; lifts hat; exits L.) 
Still, Squire, I'm proud to know you! Splendissimus, gloria 
et Victoria ! 

Dolly. 
(In disgust.) Oh, ho — you be mighty thick with Maister 
Rodney, now! (Down R.) 

Green. 
Of course — but my thickness is the thinnest thickness that 
ever was thicked — do you understand that? 

Dolly. 
My heart — ye daze me dumb with your talk! 

Green. 
My dear, the snarl is settled ; he's the easiest ass to manage 
I ever met ! Before another day, he'll challenge Travers, and 
go in haste to Heaven, then. Miss Dolly, your cousin will be 
free, and you bound, yes, bound to keep your promise, don't 
forget — your heart, your hand, or both ! 

Dolly. 
You'll get my hand over your head if you don't mind! 

Green. 
Delightful — I'd like that; let me show you how! (Takes 
her hand: lifts it over his head.) There, over my head. So! 
(Puts her arm around his neck; kisses her.) And so 

Dolly. 
(Eliuging him off'.) How dare you. sir? (Crosses R.) 



30^ H A Z E L K I R K E [Act F. 

Green. 
■ Oh, don't fear; the fun has only just hegun ; now, I've done 
my part — you must do yours ! 

(She makes to strike him.) 
(Dodging.) Oh, no — not that ! 

Mercy. 
(Outside.) All right, Mr. Rodney — I'll tell Dunstan what 
ye say. 

Green. 
Hark — whose mellifluous organ is that? 

Dolly. 
That's Hazel's mother ! 

Green. 
Dear me — did Hazel ever have a mother? 

Dolly. 
Why, of course — she has her now ! 

Green. 
That's kind of her — extraordinary things happen to some 
people ! Well then, see that mother, and tell her you know that 
Rodney is not the man that Hazel loves ! ■ 

Dolly. 
I'd never dare do that ! 

Green. 

What, would you desert me now — upon the eve of my 
greatest success? No. courage — as you love your cousin, speak, 
and she'll be blest! 

(Enter Mercy.) 

Ah, here she comes ; I'll leave her to the tender mercies of 
your tongue ! (Goes to table for hat.) Madame, will you per- 
mit me? (Takes hat and a leaf out of basket.) I humbly take 
my leave. (Goes R., tzvirling leaf.) Madame, if all the world 
were right, you and I would never be in the wrong. This was 
some time a paradox — but now — 'tis true! (Rams hat on. and 
exits through porch./ 

Mercy. 
Dolly — who be that ? 

Dolly. 
A man named Pitty Green ! 

Mercy. 
Pitty Green — an odd name — an' he seems queer a bit — here! 



Act I.] HAZUL KIRKE 31 

Dolly. 
That's all rig-ht. aunt — so long as he is sound here! (Points 
to heart.) 

Mercy. 
That's true, child — that's true! 

Dolly. 
(Hesitating.) Aunt Mercy. 

Mercy. 
(Sits R. of table L.) Well. Dolly? 

Dolly. 
Did ye mark the look in Hazel's face this morning, when 
her father told her Mr. Carringford had heen here long enough? 

Mercy. 
What sort o' a look, girl ? 

Dolly. 
A pale, frightened, suffering look ! Aunt, she's in love with 
Mr. Carringford, as sure as" Tm a womaii ! 

Mercy. 
(Starting up.) My heart, child — does thee really mean 
what thee says? 

Dolly. 
Indeed I do! 

(Enter Hazel.) 
But hush — here she comes ! 

Hazel. 

(Crossing to porch.) Mother dear — be sure to let me know 
when father returns ! 

Mercy. 
Where art goin'. child? 

Hazel. 
(Stops.) I'm going to have a drawing lesson from Mr. 
Carringford ! 

Mercy. 
Thee can wait a bit ! Dolly, thee'll find work in the house — 
thee can leave us ! 

(Dolly exits R.) 
(Sitting L.) Come here and kneel at my feet, as thee did 
when a little one, and I taught thee to pray ! 
(Hazel kneels at her feet.) 



52 • fTAZE'L KTRKE rA.-t i-.. 

My child — many i' this world may say they love thee — 
but none 'ull ever do it as I do ! Thee may have loads of friends- 
and lovers, too, but thee can never have but one mother ! Well- 
child — can't thee trust her? 

Hazel. 
Trust her — have I ever distrusted her? 

Mercy. 
Aye — thee's distrusted her now i There's that in thy heartv 
she ought to know 1 

Hazel. 

(Ttinihig aside; embarrassed.) Why, mother — what dO' 
you mean ? 

Mercy. 
Thee knows what I mean ! I've been foolish, child, and 
blind ; I forgot the dangers o' youthful blood, and felt too sure 
o' thy promise to be Aaron Rodney's wife ! But my eyes are 
open now ; I've discovered thy secret, girl — and I must speak 
to thee \ 

Hazel. 
, In anguish.) No, no — spare me — spare me — it is too late 
- — it 153 too late! (Buries her face in Merey's lap.) 

Mercy. 
(In horror.) Too late— what dost mean, child ! Speak ; 
lift up thy head and look me i' the face ! 
(Hazel does so.) 
(Relieved: pause.) Ah — it's a' reet — ye can look me i' the 
eye still, like an honest girl! (Rising; going R.) But oh, I see 
it all now I Maister Carringford be a bad man ; a bad man ! 

Hazel. 
(Indignantly.) Mother ! 

Mercy. 
(Interrupting.) There's no use. Hazel; I know all thee'd 
say for him ! But thy father saved his life, and cherished him 
in his house, and this is his gratitude — to mak love to thee — the 
plighted wife o' another man ! 

Hazel. 
No, mother, you wrong him ! He has never spoken a word 
of love to me in his life ! 

Mercy. 
An' has thee been won, then, wi'out wooing? 



>(.tT.l B A Z n L KIKKB '33 

Hazel. 
Oh, how can 1 tell ! All that I know is that 1 did not realize 
"how empty my life w^ould be without him, till now the time has 
-come for him to go. It seems as if the shadow of death were 
on my heart — it has grown so dull and heavy — so dull and heavy ! 
(Goes R., sits.) 

Mercy. 

(Crosses Lj Does thee say he has never told thee that he 
loved thee? 

Hazel. 
Never, and yet I know he does! Wlien my back is turned 
I can feel his eyes upon me — I saw them once by accident in the 
•glass ; I knew all then, for I saw in them my own misery — my 
'Own love! 

Mercy. 

!\Iy poor child — but we must do the right if it kills usi There's 
hut one remedy for this, the sharp and short one! He must 
leave this house at once! (Goiui^.j 

Hazel. 
(Barriui^ her [^assa^^e.) No. it is not for vou to send him 
-awayl THAT IS MY DUTY. It will be less' of insult to him 
— less of agony to me ! 

(Second music ready.) 

Mercy. 
Thee has not the strength to do it ! 

Hazel. 
I will find it ! Send him here to me. and I promise vou I 
will tell him we must part at once ! 

(Music.) 

Mercy. 
Aye — it's better so, perhaps ; thee shall have thy way, child. 
(At R.) Courage, lass — be strong i' the battle to-dav — and 
thou'lt be rich i' the triumph to-morrow! (Kisses her: e.vif.) 

(Stop music.) 

Hazel. 
What am I going to do? Drive away the happiness that 
Heaven sends me: insult the one man I honor most, and all for 
what — to keep the rash promise of a thoughtless girl, and so 
break two hanuless loving hearts — oh. 1 must not think of that 
or I shall rebel! (Goes L.: leans head on arms on table.) 
(Enter Arthur R.) 



34 HAZEL KIRKE [Act i. 

Arthur. 
(Leaning over her.) Miss Hazel ! 

(She rises: goes R.) 
(Checks himself: quietly.) Pardon me — Miss Kirk — I have 
just learned that you wish to speak with me ! 

Hazel. 
Mr. Carringford — I have sent for you to say that which 
may sound strangely from me ! You must leave this house at 
once ! 

Arthur. 
(Coldly.) May I know why? 

(Third music ready.) 

Hazel. 
No — not from my lips ! 

Arthur. 
Do you wish me to go? , . 

Hazel. 
(Vehemently.) Yes — yes — go quickly! 

(Music.) 

Arthur. 
(Pause: sadly.) Yes, you are right : I will go : I was going! 
(Extending hand.) Bid me farewell — God speed ! 
(She extends hand.) 
(Takes it tenderly: kisses it: she falls in chair sobbing: 
he leans over her.) 

(Enter Rodney.) 
Hazel, you must have mercy and let me speak ! 

Hazel. 
. No, I beseech you leave me — in mercy leave me without a 
word ! 

(Music stops. Arthur turns to go.) 

Rodney. 
(Advancing.) No, stay, Mr. Carringford — I know all ! 

(Arthur stares: Hazel frightened.) 
(Calmly.) I know that you love her — that she loves you! 
Nay, ye need not be afeer'd, lass : I'm not the man to rail at or 
curse ye — I shall only — (Staggers to chair L.) 

Hazel. 
(Supporting him.) Oh, Mr. Rodney! 

Rodney. 
(Waving her off .) Nay, it's nothing lass — it's nothing! I'm 
a bit dazed — that's all ! (Buries face in hands.) 



Act I.] HAZEL KIR KB 35 

Hazel. 
(Kneeling at his feet.) Oh. Mr. Rodney, you say you know 
all — oh, forgive us, for we were resolved to do our duty to 
you ! 

Rodney. 
Nay — nay now — no more o' that! There's misery enough i' 
this world — without an old thing like me a makin' more of it ! 
(She lifts head: zvipes eyes.) 
There, there, child — cheer up. and we'll see what's to be 
done ! 

Hazel. 

You do not hate me then ? 

Rodney. 
Hate ye? Aaron Rodney will never live to see the day he 
can hate ye — no, lass, I love ye still — God help me — love ye too 
much to ask anything save your own happiness ! 

Hazel. 
I cannot help the past, but 1 can be brave for the future : I 
can do my duty — keep my promise — 

Rodney. 
And be my wife. No, lass, no — I would not ask it of ye ! 
But this is a bad affair — a bad affair ! I did not know how far 
things had gone, or I would not have done what I have done ! 

Arthur. 
What have you done? 

Rodney. 
I have written to your mother, Mr. Carringford, begging her 
to call you away from here — I know the pride o' your race, sir. 
Your mother will never consent to your marriage with Hazel, and 
I warn ye — if ye seek to dishonor her, there is no living power 
will prevent me from murdering ye ! 

Arthur. 
I should deserve worse than murder, if I could be false to 
her! 

Rodney. 
(Taking his hand.) I believe ye, lad — I believe ye — and I'll 
not stand in your way ! 

Hazel. 
Oh, Mr. Rodney — my noble friend ! 

Rodney. 
Aye, lass — only thy friend — but staunch till death ! Give 



36 H A Z IS L K I R K E [Aef. r. 

me your hand, lass! (Haael lays her hand in his: he extends his 
ozvn to Arthur: then joins their hands.) There, man. is her 
hand, as far as I can g-ive it to ye — and may Heaven be wi' ye — 
for her sake! (They embrace.) 

Dun STAN. 
(O.titside.) No matter yet — let the horses stand till I've 
taken in these things ! 

(Fourth rnnsic ready.) 

Rodne;y. 
Your father's voice ! Not a word to him of what has passed 
between us ! I must speak with him myself first — !)ut I cannot 
do it now \ I've not got the strength to meet him yet! (Music.) 
I must get out of this — I must have air! I'll go this way! 
(Goes door R., turns: extends arms. Hazel goes to him. He 
kisses her on the forehead.) Good-bye, child — I'll do what 1 
can to soften him — and so God bless ye — God bless ye, my dar- 
ling! (Exits.) 

(Stop music.) 

Arthur. 

This is the bitterest — (taking her in his arms) — and sweetest 
inoment of my life ! 

(Dunstan enters zcith bundles. They separate.) 

DUNSTAN. 

Ah, lass, here ye are — an' here's thy bundles ! I got the 
things, but left the rest for Father Kennedy to bring! 

Hazkl. 
Thanks, father, but how quickly you've returned ! 

Dunstan. 
Aye, there was a letter at post so I hurried home ! They 
said it was for me! Here, lass, read it for me! (Hands her 
fetter.) 

(^he opens it: starts.) 
Well, lass, and what says the letter? 

(She grozvs faint: he helps her to chair L. ) 
My heart, child — what be the matter? There, sit rlou-n — sit 
down. What's the trouble — is it bad news? Out with it — 
who's it from ? 

Hazel. 
It is signed Emily Carringford! (Arthur starts.) 

Dunstan. 
(Looking at Arthur R.) What has she got to say to me? 
Read it, srirl. What does she sav? 



.>ct L] HAZEL K 1 R K V. 37 

Hazel. 
(Aside J There is no use — I shall be forced to read it 
(Reads.) "Dunstan Kirk, Esq. — Dear Sir: — 1 have been i^reatl) 
startled by learning of my son's presence in your house, and 
deeply pained by hearing of his conduct with your child — " 

Dunstan. 
What's that? Eh— what's that? 

Hazel. 
"I have besought him to return to me instantly — if he refuses 
1 call on you to add the force of your commands to my prayers." 

Dunstan. 
Aye — aye — it be growing clearer — go on, girl — go on ! 

Hazel. 
"I cannot describe my indignation — at the thought of my 
son's love for — " (breaks dozvn.) 

Dunstan. 
(Sternly.) Stop there, girl, stop there! (To Arthur.) 
Mr. Carringford, I've got but one child in the whole world — I 
love her better than my life. Well, sir, I'd rather bury her with 
my own hands, than have her faithless to her word. You know 
s'he's the plighted wife o' Aaron Rodney! Well then, are ye a 
serpent, I've cherished in my breast to bite me and mine? Have 
ye dared to think of making love to Hazel Kirke ? 

Arthur. 
Fate threw me helpless at her feet — her hands have nursed 
me back to life — well, sir — I confess what I could not help — I 
learned to love her ! 

Dunstan. 
(Crossing L.) Hazel, thee hears him and thou knows the. 
duty of an honest lass — go bid him begone at once ! 



do! 



Hazel. 
(Goes to Arthur, 7vho goes C.) No, father, that I cannot 

Dunstan. 
What's that thou says? (Astounded.) 

Hazel. 
If he must go — I should go — for I, too, am guilty! 

Dunstan. 
Great heavens — mv child avow dishonor? 



38 HAZEL KIRK E [Act i. 

Hazel. 
Father, hear me? 

DUNSTAN. 

Hear thee now — never! (Advancing.) I could shake thy 
shameless heart out ! 

(Hazel recoils in Arthnr's arms.) 
(Shielding her.) Stand back, sir — stand back ! 

(Music. Enter Dolly and Mercy from house. Dan 
and miller hoys behind wall and in gaten'ay ) 

DUNSTAN. 

What — in that man's arms before my very face. Out upon 
thee, thou foul disgrace — hear thy father's curse ! 

Mercy. 
(In anguish.) No, no — she is thy child — thine only child! 

Dun STAN. 
Pieg'one — thou misbegotten bairn — begone ! I cast thee out 
adrift, adrift forever from thy feyther's love, and may my eyes 
no more behold thee ! 

Hazel. 
(Extending her arms.) Mother ! Mother ! 

DuNSTAN. 

(Waving her hack.) Stand back ! She's dead to thee for- 
ever ! 

(Hazel recoils to Arthur's arms: he leans over her. 
Tableau. Stop music.) 



CURT A IN. 



ACT II. 

(Interior of lilhi at fairy Grove: gay music at rise, 
lights full up: hell on table L., and cigarettes and 
matches: icater and glass on stand R.) 
(Clara, a serx'ant, discovered dusting room: Met, heard 
outside playing pipe.) 

Clara. 
(Looking off.) There's that worthless boy blowing his 
pipe ag^ain. instead of minding the garden ! Why did Mr. Car- 
ringford ever bring tlie ninny here ? 

(Enter Met, as gardener, TivV// Holders.) 

Met. 
Hi — I say. Mistress Clara — where's the missus? 

Clara. 
\\'hat do you want of her? 

Met. 
Here's some flowers I've been a picking for her — where 
is she, I say? 

Clara. 
She's about here somewhere — crying, I suppose ! 

Met. 
Cryin"? What do you mean? 

Clara. 
I mean for the last three days — she seems to be awfully 
put out about something! 

Met. 

My heart, girl — what be the matter wi' her? 

Clara. 
She's so lonely, I suppose ! She goes nowhere ; see nobody, 
and for a week her husband has been absent ! 1 never knew 
him stay away from her so long before — 'rm afraid there's 
something wrong — what can it be? 

Met. 
How should I know? 

Clara. 
You knew the missus before she came here — didn't vou ? 



40 HAZEL KIR K E [Act n. 

Met. 
What makes you think that? 

Clara. 
Because she brought you here I 

Met. 
No, she didn't bring me here — I followed her — and I'd 
follow her to the end of the earth if she'd let me ! 

Clara. 
That was just one year ago — where did she come from? 

Met. 
That's her business \ 

Clara. 
Who was she before Lord Travers married her? 

Met. • 

A lady — every inch of her— and too good for him !! 

Clara. 
Why too good for him ? 

Met. 
Look ye here, girl — why is it that he brings no one here 
to see her — why is it his mother and none of his family, don't 
never come here at all? 

Clara, 
I don't know ! 

Met. 
Of course not — ye don't know nothin' ; f Going R. : look- 
ing out.) La, there she be on the shore of the park lake — I'll 
take her the flowers ! 

Clara. 
Hold on Met — tell me first 



Met. 
I'll tell you nothin' — and that's more than you deserve ! 
(Exit.) 

Clara. 
There's a secret somewhere about this house — I can smell 
it in the air — and that boy knows what it is — but he's as close 
as the grave — and as devoted to my lady as a miser to his gold ! 
(Stops suddenly at tvindow; looks out L.) Well, I declare, 
what sort of a man is this coming up the path? How he mut- 
ters and shakes his head — as though he were crazy — what can 



Act II.] HAZEL KIR K E 41 

he want here? I must call Barney to get rid of him. (Going.) 
(Enter Rodney L.) 

Rodney. 
Young woman — one moment. 

Clara. 
(Turning.) Well, sir — what is it? 

Rodney. 
Is this place called Fairy Grove? 

Clara. 
Yes, sir — this is Fairy Grove! 

Rodney. 

(Looking around: shaking head.) So this is where he has 
hidden her? 

Clara. 
There he goes — muttering and shaking his head ! 

Rodney. 
She's here surrounded by luxury — and little dreaming of 
her shame! ( E.vcited.) Fve found you at last, .\rthur Car- 
ringford 

Clara. 
Good man — what do you want here? 

Rodney. 
Is your mistress in ? 

Clara. , ' 

You mean Mrs. Carringford? 

Rodney. 
(Intensely.) Is she called that here? . ' 

Clara. 
Is who called what, sir? 

Rodney. 
Your mistress — is she in ? 

Clara. 
Certainly — do you want to see her? 

Rodney. 
(Frightened.) No. no — not for the world — it would sad- 
den her to see me! What am I saying — what am I saying? 

Clara. 
(Aside.) I must get Barney here at once I 



42 HAZEL KIRKE [Act ii. 

Rodney. 
Stop, don't go — till ye tell me. Does he treat her well — 
is she happy? 

Clara. 
What do you mean^ sir? 

Rodney. 
I mean that if he made her unhappy — I'd tear his heart out ! 

Clara. 
(Terrified; calling R.) Barney — Barney! 

Rodney. 
Hush — if you make a noise she'll come — don't fear — I 
mean no harm; I'll go now; I only wanted to be sure I'd found 
the place ; I'll come back again with salvation in my hand — 
for her — my darling — my poor, innocent lamb ! What's your 
name ? 

Clara. 
Clara, sir ! 

Rodney. 
A good name, and you have a kind face ; I'll trust you with 
a message — tell Hazel — I mean your mistress — not to grieve ! 
Heaven has her in its blessed keeping! I'm near at hand to 
guard her life ; to enforce her rights — tell her this from me ! 

Clara. 

Who are you, sir? 

Rodney. 
I'm — (Checks himself.) a friend — that's all — a friend ! She 
must not know my name — you won't tell her that will you? 

Clara. 
I don't know it, sir ! 

Rodney. 
True — that's good — take this ! (Handing money.) 

Clara. ' 

What is it? : 

Rodney. 

Gold— gold! 

Clara. 
I — I — don't want it, sir! 

Rodney. 
Yes, take it — to pay for services I want of you! (Taking 



Act u.j HAZEL KIRKE 43 

her hand.) Watch him — see how he treats her — and tell me 
when we meet again! Now, to go back to this man's mother! 
(Going L.J Remember, when we meet again ! (Exit L.J 

Clara. 
(Looking after him. J Meet again — deliver me from that 
^the man's as crazy as a loon! (Looks at money. J 
(Enter Barney, R.J 

Barney. 
Is that yon. darlin' ? What's that ye'r lookin' at? 

Clara. 
Gold, I believe — I can hardly believe its real, though ! 

Barney. 

(Snatching: examining money.) Faith — that's the genuine 
article— sure enough — like yourself — pure gold ! Heaven bless 
ye, this is the sovereign of the world — but you — you're the sov- 
ereign of my heart ! 

Clara. 
Come, come, Barney — no nonsense, give me my money I 

Barney. 
And how do I know it's yours ? 

Clara. 
Didn't you snatch it out of my hand just now? 

Barney. 
Sure, that don't prove it's yours ! 

Clara. 

Come, come now — give me my money ! 

Barney. 
Where did ye get it? 

Clara. 
From a crazy creature who WaS here just now I 

Barney. 
Crazy — was he ! 

Clara. 
Yes! 

Barney. 
Of course, he was crazy — or he wouldn't have given you 
this — I'll find the fool and restore his fortune ! (Going. J 

Clara. 
Barney O'Flynn — will you give me that sovereign? 



44 HAZEL KIR KE [Act ii. 

Barney. 
How can I give what isn't my own, dear? 

Clara. 
Do you mean to keep it yourself? 

Barney. 
Kape it — no indeed — I mean to exchange it ! 

Clara. 
(Bashfully.) What for, Barney? 

Barney. 
For the swatest thing a man could drame of — wan of your 
kisses ! 

(She screams; exits rapidly down R., as Arthur enters 
L., with overeoat on arm: cigarette.) 

Arthur. 
Well, Barney! 

Barney. 
(Starting) Holy murther, master, ye frightened me — 
sure, sir — I'm glad you're back again! 

Arthur. 
(Flinging overcoat to Barney.) Where's my wife? 

Barney. 
Your wife, sir? 

Arthur. 
Certainly — my wife ! 

Barney. 
(With a cough.) Oh, yes — sartinly — she's in the garden, 
I belave ! 

Arthur. 
(Sitting at table.) Let h.er know that I've returned! 

Barney. 
All right, sir! (Coi)ig; stops in porch.) He's in one of his 
quare moods again — he's getting tired of this already ; I knew 
he would ; he'll end it soon — they ahvays do ! Ah, thc^''- no- 
thin' like a Scotch marriage on the wrong side of the line to 
save the trouble of a divorce and chate the lawyers ! (E.vits R.) 

Arthur. 

(Producing letter; reading.) "My dear Travers — your 

mother is in a very mysterious condition — to-day she arose from 

her bed, for the first time in six months, laboring under some 

great excitement, that is giving her temporary strength ; she asks 



Act II.] HAZEL K I R K E 45 

the most searching questions about you — she gets more impatient 
every day for your union with Lady Maud !" (Eolding letter.) 
Strange, very strange, I hoped for good news ! Ah, will this 
never end — how long must 1 conceal our marriage. Shall 1 
never he able to show the world the noble woman who is my 
wife ? (Reverie.) 

Hazel. 
(Runs in; sees him; creeps up behind him; puts hands over 
his eyes.) Ah, you are back at last, my darling? 

Arthur. 
(Embracing her.) Apparently! 

Hazel. 
Oh, r so glad — so glad — I've been nearly dead with lone- 
liness ! 

xArthur. 
Have you really missed me so much, then ? 

Hazel. 
More than you will ever know or care, I fear ! 

Arthur. 
I love to have you miss me ! 

Hazel. 

Of course you do — you wouldn't love me if you didn't! 

Arthur. 
And you're not tired yet of these iron bonds of matrimony ? 

Hazel. 
I call them golden bonds ! 

Arthur. 
And so they are, darling — may they always hold us — heart 
to heart ! 

Hazel. 
(Saddening.) Heigh-ho! (Rises.) 

Arthur. 
Heigh-ho ! Well, well — what does this mean ? 

Hazel. 
Only a silly thought — I'm superstitious — too much happi- 
ness is dangerous — that's all ! 

' Arthur. 

(Taking hands.) Little woman, do you know I'm not 
blind — there's somethincf troubles vou — what is it? 



46 HAZEL KIR KB [Act Ji. 

Hazel. 
(Imitating.) Big man — do you know I'm not blind — 
there's something troubles you — what is it? 

Arthur. 
Come, come — dear — I'm in earnest ! 

Hazel. 
(Sobered.) And so am I, dear — for the last few weeks, 
whenever you have been at home, you've been so silent and 
moody ! Oh, Arthur, can't you trust me with your sorrow as 
well as your joy? Come, tell me what troubles you? 

Arthur. 
Business — that's all — but you. Hazel, you have no such ex- 
cuse for sadness ! 

Hazel. 
I sad? (Laughing.) Why, I'm the gayest creature in the 
world ! 

Arthur. 
You try to be before me — but when you've supposed me 
absent — I've seen you in tears. Have I not done all that I could 
to make you happy? 

Hazel. 
Oh, yes — indeed you have ! 

Arthur. 
Then why have I failed? 

Hazel. 
Failed — you have not failed — you have made me too happy ! 
My happiness startles me sometimes ; I so little deserve it ; I 
confess, at moments I am haunted ! 

Arthur. 
By what, dear? 

Hazel. 
(Going to couch R.) I hardly know — a vague, uncertain 
dread ! This last year has been so strange — the wav we met ; 
our secret marriage in Scotland — - — ■ 

Arthur. 
But you know why our marriage had to be so secret ? 

Hazel. 
Yes, because your proud mother had set her heart upon 
another marriagfe for vou 



A.t ii.i .HAZEL KIRKB 47 

Artuvr. 
(Goiiii^ up to her. J Determined to make me the husliand 
'of Maud Wetherby, she has been very ill for years ; to have ac- 
knowledg-ed niy marriage with you, would have surely been {o 
kill her — so I was forced to have our marriage take place in 
the way that offered least risk of discovery by her! 

Hazel. 
Oh, my darling", 1 do hate this hiding — it gives our mar- 
riage the color of a crime — how much longer must it last ? 

Arthur. 
I have been hoping every day that my mother would have 
.grown strong enough to bear the news, that you are my precious 
wife, but I am disappointed — she is no better — I even fear she's 
growing worse! 

Hazel. 
(Going L.) Your mother deceived — my father broken 
hearted — Oh, it is horrible! 

Arthur. 
(Angrily.) \\*liat a fool I've been^ 

Hazs;l, 
(In dismay.) What do you mean? 

Arthur. 
(Risi)ig.) I've been stupid enough to fancy that my love — 
my devotion might suffice to make you forget ; to make you 
happ}^ ! 

Hazel. 
So they do — I was wrong to confess these foolish fears to 
you — say you forgive me] 

Arthur. 
Forgive you — no. little woman, it is for you to forgive! 

Hazel. 
Forgive what — dear ? 

Arthur. 
Forgive me that I have not rendered you. the open honor, 
that was due you as a wife! 

Hazel. 
How strangely you say that — what can you mean ? 

Arthur. 
Well, no matter now! (Affecting gayety: crossing L. of 
table L.) Away with gloomy thoughts — all's well that ends well 
— by Jove, where are m\- cigarettes? 



48 B A Z E L K I R K E [Act II. 

IL\zEL. 
(Gailv taking cigarette from table.) I will light you a fresh 
one! (He lights match; she draivs on cigarette: takes a puff; 
hands it to him, zvith cough.) There — talve the horrid thing! 
(Goes C.) 

zArth.ur. 
(Smoking; going to her; putting arm around her.) Horrid 
thing! Why. I declare, it's the most delicious cigarette I ever 
smoked in my life! Thanks, little woman — may all our sor- 
rows end like this — in smoke and a kiss? (Kisses her.) 

(Enter Green L.; sun umbrella over head: laden li'ith 
sporting' traps; coughs.) 
I declares, at last it's our dear old Green ! 

Green. 

'Tis true, 'tis Pitty — and pity 'tis, 'tis true ! You may not 
believe it, but these things are a bore ! 

Hazel. 
(Laughing.) Talk of matrimonial misery and bandboxes — ■ 
what are they to the awful doom of a bachelor devoted to sport ? 

Green. 

Oh. I say — don't make sport of a man in mortal agony — 
be heroic, come to the rescue — take the curio! (Handing Hazel 
umbrella.) The idea, billing and cooing still — a year after mar- 
riage, too — it's an outrage on society ! 

Arthur. 
(Having unloaded him: down L.) Now, tell us — to what 
do we owe your sudden advent here? 

Green. 
To the same old lady — rumor — the despot of my life ! 

Hazel. 

(Laughing.) And what monstrous thing has she reported 
here ? 

Green. 
(C.) Monstrous bliss ! The fame of your fishes ; the taste 
of your game ; the sound of your kisses is wafted on the breath 
of Rumor to the uttermost end of an envious world ! So here 
I am with all my senses wild to see, hear, smell, taste and touch — 
I'll begin with touch — give me your fists, ye immortal pair of 
blissful curiosities. (Taking them by the hand: then pointing 
to her hand.) Will you permit me? (She laughs; he kisses her 
hand.) Won't you share your monstrosities with me ? 

Hazel. 
(Laughs.) All we can ! 



Act 11.] H A Z li L K I K K £ 49 

Green. 
All but the kisses, I suppose? (Sits oii couch R.) 

Arthur. 
T don't see how we can reserve much else! (Goes itp ( .) 

Hazel. 

(/// chair L.J But what are you going to give us for let 
ting you into our paradise? 

Grren. 
For you I have news — for this mortal a sermon ! 

Arthur. 
^^'ell, let it be a galloping sermon then — I'll go and order 
the horses at once ! (Strikes bell on tabic.) 

Green. 
Capital ! 

Hazeu 
Sermon or ride ? 

Green. 

Capital, my dear, referred to his going 1 

Arthur. 
I'm ofif — beware — I've my eye upon you! 

Green. 

Keep your ear off — that's all we ask ! 
(Enter Barney R.) 

Arthur. 

(Pointing to tackle.) Pick up those things and follow me. 
(Exits L.) ^ 

Barney. 
(Taking them.) Bad luck to the game — they've got divil 
a chance now! (Exits L.) 

Hazel. 
Xow, for your news? 

Greex. 

I'm just from lUacklnUMi mill! 

Hazel. 
And you have letters for me? 

Green. 
X(\ not yet — your father declares that the first who writes 
vou. shall leave his house ! (Sits R.) 



50 H A Z H L KIR K B. [Act ii. 

Hazel. 
(Sadly.) Is he still so angry with me, then ? 

Green. 
He's the pig-headedest old hard heart I ever knew — he 
won't let them breathe your name 

Hazel. 

(Crossing.) How did you learn this? 

Green. 

Dolly told me I 

Hazel. 
(ru::dcd.) Dolly — is that what you call her? 

Green. 

Oh, I forgot — you don't know- — do you ? 

Hazel. 
Know what? 

Green. ■ 

Why, about Dolly — she's done for 

Hazel. 
Done for? 

Green. 
Yes — going to make a fool of herself! 

Hazel. 
How? 

Green. 
By becoming the better half of P. Green— pity — isn't it? 

Hazel. 
(Amazed.) Do you mean to say you're going to marry my 
cousin ? 

Green. 
Oh, no — she's going to marry me ! 

Hazel. 
Oh, I'm so glad ! 

Green. 
You may not believe it — but, so am I — will you permit me? 
(Kisses hand.) 

Hazel. 
(Sitting on lounge R.) Now, sit right down here by me, 
and tell me all about it ! 



Act II.] 



H A Z II L KIR K E 



51 



GreiCn, 
(Sitting.) Oh, it was all just like Dolly herself — short and 
sweet. After you left Lancashire, the doors of the old mill 
were sternly closed — especially against mel But, it didn't mat- 
ter — you see ; I suddenly became interested in damns — there was 
one near the mill ; 1 used to visit it — the sight of anything damned 
was a relief to me ; weeks passed, but the doors of the old mill 
remained closed ; fever ensued ; I got dam on the brain, and 
went about muttering damn all day! However, nothing could 
dam-pen the ardor of my disease — at last the crisis came ; Dolly 
appeared and took pity! Yes, she relieved my delirium, and 
to ensure a cure, consented to become Ma-dam! 

Hazel. 
(Laughing.) You dear, silly old thing — so you're going to 
become my cousin? 

Green. 
Bless me, so I am — I didn't think of that! Will 3'ou per- 
mit me? (Kisses her hand.) 

(Arthur enters L.) 



Arthur. 



Haloo there, I say! 



Green. 

(Coolly.) So do I ; I say and I do ! Will you permit me ? 
(Kisses her hand.) I say — cousinship is good ! 

Arthur. 
(To Hazel.) What does the rascal mean ? 

Hazel. 
Something wonderful — he means 

Green. 
Hush — quietly — his nerves are weak ! Have you ordered 
the horses? 



Arth ur. 



Yes, but- 



GrEEn. 
Stop, but me no buts — Hazel, my dear — go and get ready to 
drive, and leave this reprobate to the tender mercies of your 
cousin Pit ! 

Hazel. 
(Going R., laughing.) Oh, very well — don't forget the ser- 
mon — text husbands, obey your wives ! (B.rits.) 



52 H A Z £ L KIR K Li [Act ii, 

Arthur. 
Now, sir — please explain ! 

Green. 
I explain — why, sir — I've traveled three hundred miles to 
make you explain ! 

Arthur. 
Explain what? 

Green. 
(Producing slip of ncivspapcr.) That, sir f 

Arthur. 

(Reading.) "Another important engagement in high life, 
announced ; — that of lord Travers to Lady Wetherby ! 

Green. 
That, sir, is from the Post — a very respectable and reliable 
authority ! 

Arthur. 

( Laughing. ) Evidently ! 

Green. 
(Solcnuily.J I don't see anything to laugh at! 

Arthur. 
Don't you — then look in the glass ! 

Green. 
Come, come, sir — this is no joke — it is an infernally seri- 
ous matter ! 

Arthur. 
Clearly, a most solemn afifair — almost as awful as the para- 
graph about you a few weeks since ! 

Green. 
About me? 

Arthur. 
Something like this : "We understand that after long and 
painful consideration, the Hon. P. Green has decided to become 
• — a bachelor." What do you think of that? 

Green. 

I think it is an infernally impudent lie I 

Arthur. 
That's what I think of this 1 



Act 11.] H A Z E L KIR K B 53 

Green. 

There's no resemblance in the two cases, sir — liow can I 
become a bachelor, since I am one ? 

Arthur. 
How can 1 marry, since I am married? 

Green. 
But. confound it. sir — you're not married! 

Arthur. 
If I'm not married — then you must be an old maid] 

Green. 
■ Eh? I don't see that! Do you dare to say, that in conse- 
quence of your villainy, my sex is to sufifer? No, sir — it's your 
manhood, not mine, that's at stake! 

Arthur. 
Are you mad? 

Green. 
Yes, sir, I am ; blind mad^who wouldn't be under the cir- 
cumstances ? 

Arthur. 
(Irritated.) Under what circumstances? 

Green. 
Why, sir, you commit a crime, and when I am about to 
implore you not to commit another — you impeach my sex, sir — 
impeach my sex ! 

Arthur. 
By Jove, you are insane ! 

Green. 
Insane — I wish I could say as much for you ; insanity is 
the only excuse for such exasperating, outrageous, scoundrelly 
conduct as yours ! 

Arthur. 
Good Heavens, Green — are you really serious ? 

Green. 
Serious — I should think so — I'm as serious as an avalanche, 
an earthquake and a volcano — all in one ! 

Arthur. 
\Miat a frightful row about nothing! (Reads hook.) 

Green. 

Xothing! Is it nothing to deceive an honest girl into be- 



54 H A Z B L K / R K E [Act ii, 

lieving she's a married woman, when she isn't ; is it nothing to 
marr}^ one woman and swear to love, honor and obey her, when 
you love, if you don't honor another? Is it nothing to betray 
where you're trusted most ; is it nothing to be a cool, calculating 
villain, and look as innocent and serene as an angel? 

Arthur. 
My dear boy, of whom are you talking? 

Green. 
Now, that's wicked, Travers ; that's pure malignant cruelt\ -- 
haven't I always been a loyal friend? 

Arthur. 
Decidedly ! 

Green. 

Then, why couldn't you have trusted me? 

Arthur. 
I've never distrusted you! 

Green. 

Oh, yes. you have ; you dealt with me in a beastly mean' 
manner; you've made me an unconscious accomplice in a piece 
of business I despise [ 

Arthur. 
There you go again ; I vow its enough to irritate a saint : 
can't you tell me plainly- — what in the world you mean ? 

Green. 
What, do you mean to say — on your honor — yoti don't un- 
derstand ? 

Arthur. 
I meart to say that your gabble for the last half hour has 
been Pattagonian gibberish to me; (Drops book on tabic ciii- 
phatically.) 

Green. 
Patty — gibby-gabby ! Can it be possible ? 

Arthur. 
Can what be possible? 

Green. 
Can it be possible that you don't realize your own situation ? 

Arthur-, 

What is mv situation ? 



A.'t Ti.] // A Z B L K J A K L 55 

Green. 

Travel's — you're either the most acconipHshed hy])ocritc or 
the higgest fool that ever Hved — take your choice] 

Arthltr. 
Enough of this ; con^e to the point — what do you mean ? 

Green. 
That's precisely what I've traveled 300 miles to know — • 
what do you mean ? 

Arthur. 
(Disgusted.) If this is one of your jokes — it's in very 
bad taste. (Going.) I'll leave you to find the fun of it for 
yourself \ 

Green. 
I Astounded.) \ jole; the idea — it's no use; that floors 
me! (Running after him.) Here, Travers ; come Ixick ; there 
must be a mistake; I give in; you've turned tlic tables on me; 
I'll explain m_\-self! 

Arthur. 
(D. F. L.) Well, begin! 

Green. 

(Hesitating.) Confound it — 

Arthur. 
What's the matter now? 

Green. 

I don't know liow to begin ; it's such an awful l)usiness 
Vou see, I've been sneaking about the old mill latch-; and a 
rinnor reached me there, that just covered me with goo^e-tlesh! 

Arthur. 
Who ever suspected you of any other covering? 

Green. 
Yes. I see; my name is — oh, hang my name; let's get to the 
report! It seems Scjuire Rodney has been looking into vour 
affairs, and — by Jove, he swears }ouVe deceived Hazel Kirke! 

Arthur. 
Indeed — and how? 

Green. 
He said that \our marriage to her was a pretense: a farce; 
a lie! 

Arthur. 
And you believed him ? 



56 HAZEL KIRKE [Act li-. 

Greek. 
How could I help it? He declares he has positive proof 
that you went towards Scotland, with the pretense of marrying 
Hazel by Scottish law, but that you cunningly stopped on the 
border and went through the flimsy Scotch ceremony upon Eng- 
lish ground 1 

Arthur. 
It is an infamous slander! 

Green. 

Can you prove that ? 

Arthur. 
I'll soon convince you! (Strikes bell.) 

Green. 
How? 

Arthur. 
By the testimony of a witness to my marriage — Barney I 

Green. 
Gracious — he's the very one that Rodney named as your 
accomplice ! 

Arthur. 
Absurd I 

(Enter Barney R.) 
Barney — I want — 

Green. 
Hold on — (Aside.) I'll question him ; we wan<- to get at 
the truth, you know — and these chaps easily slip into a lie' 

Arthur. 
I don't understand ! 

Green. 
You will in a moment — Barney — your master called you 
because the time has come for us to settle certain matters, and 
we wish to be sure that everything is all right, you know ! 

Barney. 
Faith, sir — I'm at your service! 

Green. 
Well, then, my good Barney ; tell us frankly ; are you quite 
sure that the place where Lord Travers went through the cere- 
monv of marriag-e with Miss Kirke — was not in Scotland? 



.Act 11.] H A Z LI h K 1 R K a .57 

Arthur. 
(Starting.) I protest — 

Green. 
As you're an lionest man. keep quiet — answer my question 
Barney. 

B.\rnev. 
I will, sir — when my master bids mel 

Arthur. 

(Aside.) What a strange thing- for him to say J 

Greex. 

Shall he answer my (luestion ? 

Arthur. 
Certainly — I 'arney, speak freely ! 

Barney. 
.(To Grccit.j Well, then, sir — your question be a quafe one) 

Green. 
Ah — in what respect ? 

B.XRNEY. 

Do ye think I'd betray my master, sir? 

Green. 
Xo — of course not ! 

B.VRNEY. 
I've been in sarvice of the gentry, sir, for twenty \ears— 
iloes ye tak me for a fool? 

Green. 

Xo — 1 never judge a man by his looks! 

Barney. 
Looks — I know how to look after my master's interests, 
sir — and that's look enough for me — so, of course, I tuk good 
care to have such a marriage as he wanted, come oflf in the 
wrong place! 

(Arthur starts.) 

Greex. 

( Ldolciui:^ at Arthur.) What place was that? 

Barney. 
Faith, the wrong place for a Scotch marriage is the English 
side of the Scottish line I 

Arthur. 
(Crossiiii:; to him: in frcucy.) Do you mean to say tiiat 



58 H A Z U L K I R K B. [Act IL. 

the inn you took us to, was on the border- — but not in Scotland ? 

Barne;y. 
(Astonished.) Of course I do, sir!. 

Arthur. 
(Frenzied.) You miserable, dastardly villain — I coula 
brain you! (Grasps him by the throat.) 

Barney. 
Sure, sir — 1 only followed your own orders [ 

Arthur. 
(Amased.) Followed my orders ? 

Barney. 
To the letther, sir — didn't ye come to me all of a suddint 
one night, at the old tavern in Blackbotirn — an' didn't ye say, 
"Barney — I want to get married to oust, secretly, in Scotland"? 

Arthur. 
I did, you rascal ! 

Barney. 
Didn't you tell me to take ye to the borders ? 

Arthur. 
Well ? 

Barney. 
Well, sir — an' so I did ; to the borders of matrimony, as 1 
thought ye intended ! 

Arthur. 
(Shaking him.) Idiot, scoundrel, wretch! 
(Green interferes; frees Barney; they liave crossed to L.) 
(In agony, tip C.) Hazel, dishonored, outraged — oh, it is 
horrible ; horrible ! (Rushes at Barney.) 

Green. 
(Interposing.) Come, come, Travers ; there's no use wast- 
ing time in misery now — there's something better to be done ! 

Arthur. 
Yes, you are right ; we will go, find a curate, and I will 
marry her at once ! (To Barney.) Imbecile ; I'm going to take 
measures, partially, to amend the outrage you have committed ; let 
us have no more mistakes — tell my wi — (Pause; ivith ardor.) 
Yes, before Heaven and my own heart — she is my wife ! Tell 
my wife, that I have been called away, but will return soon — 
and understand ; not one word of this to anvone ! 



Act Ti.] HAZEL K I R K E 59 

Barney. 

All right, vour honor! 

Arthur. 

(To Circcii; iioiiii^.J Come, let us hurry; every instant is 
torture till Hazel is my wife! {Exeunt.) 
(first music ready.) 

Barney. 

Faith, thin; 1 can't make this out for the life of me! He's 
lost his head, as well as his heart, entirely — and to a peasant's 
child — too. (Up C; looking L.J Eh — who's this old party 
coming up the walk — it's Squire Rodney — that bodes no good 
to this place! Holy murther, who's that behind him — if it isn't 
Lady Travers herself — the powers purtect us — she's found us 
out ! Oh, dear ; oh, .dear — what in the world shall we do — 
what in the world will I do? \Mii.sht — she's here! 

(Music, ominous; stops as they get to door. Enter 
Rodney; follozved by Lady Travers; old, very ill, lean- 
ing on arm of footman in livery. ) 

Rodney. 
This is the place, my lady — and this is the man ! 

Lady T. 
Barney. — is that you ? 

Barney. 

Faith, your ladyship — I'm not sure — I belave it is! 

Lady T. 
I thought you were abroad with my son ? 

Barney. 
Yes, ma'am — I' with your son, and sure, I fale abroad-^ 
leastways, I don't feel at home ! 

Lady T. 
(Faintly.) A chair! (Rodney helps her to chair L.) Water! 
(Barney gives her a glass of zvater from R.) (She drinks it; 
hands back glass.) Is my son here? 

Barney. 
No. my lady ! 

Lady T. 
(Aside.) So much the better! (Aloud.) Ts the lady of 
the house in ? 

Barney. 

Ts it Ladv Carringford ve mane — mv ladv? 



60 H A Z B L K 1 R K /;' [Act n. 

Lady T. 
(Sternly.) It is not Lady Carringford that I mean I 

Barney. 

(Aside.) She knows all! (Aloud.) She is in, my lady? 

Lady T. 
Inform her that a lady would speak with her on important 
business ! 

Barney. 
(Goiiii^.) I will, my lady! 

Lady T. 
Stay — not a word of who it is ! 

Barney. 

Kot for the world, my lady I 

Lady T. 
And, Barney — 

Barney. 
Yes. my lady — - 

Lady T. 
When 1 strike twice on this bell, come here instantly — do 
yon understand ? 

Barney. 
Oh. very well — my lady! 

Lady T. 
You may go ! 

Barney. 

Thank ye — my lady! (Aside; ^oiiii^.) Faith — I'd like to 
g"o anywhere out of this mess! (Exits.) 

Lady T. 
Thomas — return to the carriage and wait till I send for you ! 

(Servant bo'ws and e.vits.) 
Mr. Rodney, I deem it best I should see this girl alone ! 

Rodney. 
Yes, you are right — 'tis best that I should go ! But. oh, 
niadame. have pity upon her ; break all gently, let your woman's 
heart feel for a woman's wrongs ! 

Lady T. 
It does — for wrongs of which you little dream I 

Rodney. 
I have been merciful to you; you must be merciful to her! 



Act II.] H A Z a L K I R K H 61 

Lady T. 

!T('^\ have yon been merciful to nie? 

Rodney. 
How? When I first learned the truth, I started out to find 
. your son — to take his life for wronging her! 

Lady T. 
Ah! 

Rodney. 
Yes — but I thought of you — his mother — and I said. I will 
spare him for her sake, for she will force him to do his duty! 

Lady T. 
And so she will! (Aside.) A duty more imperative than 
tliat to this low-born girl ! 

Rodney. 
(Hai'iiii;; gone up R. for hat, comes down R. of Lady T.) 
Believing this, I sought you out and told you all ; I never should 
have brought you here to put this child to shame, except it were 
to save her from that shame itself ! 

Lady T. 
And so you're sure her marriage to my son — 

Rodney. 
Was none at all ! ■ Alas, my lady, it was none at all ! 

Lady T. 
(Aside.) Thank Heaven for that! (Aloud.) Go and wait 
for me at the hotel ! 

Rodney. 
I will, my lady, and pray Heaven to bless you for this day's 
noble work! (B.vit L.) 

Lady T. 
His blessings are worse than any curse ! Why is this girl 
so long in coming? This suspense is sapping all my strength! 

(Enter Hasel) 
Ah — she's here ! 

Hazel. 
(Advancing in wonder.) You wished to see me, madam ? 

Lady T. 
I did — please be seated near me ! 

(Hazel goes up C.) 
The old story — the fatal power of a handsome face ! 



62 H A Z E L K I R K B [Act ir. 

Hazel. 
(Aside : i^cttiiig chair.) What a strange, commanding tone— 
1 wonder who she is? (Sits near her.) 

Lady T. 
(Pause.) I am Lady Travers — the mother of Arthur Car- 
ringford 1 

(Hazel starts.) 
You need not fear me — I have not come to curse, but to 
beg— 

Hazel- 

But why — madam— why ? 

Lady T. 
I see shining iil your eyes the womanhood that has be- 
witched my son — and see — to that womanhood — I kneel to be — 
implore a fearful sacrifice from you! (About to kneel.) 

Hazel. 

(Preventing her.) Oh, madam — you shall not kneel I 
(Placing Jier back in chair.) Ask any sacrifice I can make in 
honor, and I will gladly make it for your son ! 

Lady T. 
Alas — you know not what you promise — listen ! My hus- 
band had a ward, whose fortune he wrongfully used and lost f 
Upon his dying bed he confessed this to me, and made me promise 
to hide his shame by marrying our only son to that ward ! 1 
promised, and I have lived since, but to keep my word and save 
ou r honor ! 

Hazel. 
Oh, madam — how terrible ! 

Lady T. 
My son never knew why I was so determined to make this 
match — but he, to humor me, promised to marry Lady Maud .' 
Suddenly I heard he was living here with you — with grief and 
shame I gathered strength enough to bring myself here to im- 
plore you to save us all. 

Hazel. 
Oh, what can I do — what can I do? 

Lady T. 

Be sublime for his sake — fly from him and save him from 
disgrace ? 

Hazel, 
Save him from disgrace? 



Art IL] H AZ a L KIR K E 63 

Lady T. 
Yes, within a month Lady Maud will come of age. and 
demand a settlement of her estate — nothing but her marriage to 
my son. can save him from ruin and shame ! 

Hazel. 
(In agony.) Oh, how horrible — my punishment begins — I, 
who should prove his blessing — am his curse ! Beggary, humili- 
ation and shame stare him in the face and all — all because of me I 

Lady T. 
Then leave him — fly from him at once! 

Hazel. 
And never see him in this world again ? Xo, no — you ask 
more than I have strength to do — besides, what use is that — I 
am his wife— his wretched wife! 

Lady T. 

What if you were not his wife? 

Hazel. 
Ah, then perhaps Heaven would give me the courage to fly 
for his sake ! 

Lady T. 
(Rising.) It will, heroic girl, for he is free — you are not 
his wife ! 

Hazel. 
(Stunned.) Not his wife? 

Lady T. 
As he deceived me by loving you, .so he has betrayed you 
h\ a pretended marriage ! 

Hazel. 
He, Arthur, betrayed me? 'Tis false— I'll not believe it 
I'hc proofs — the proofs ! 

Lady T. 
(Staggers : gasps: sinks in cliair.) Ah. have tnercy or I 
shall die ! 

Hazel. 

(Throi^'ing herself at her feet.) Forgive me. I will be wise, 
calm, patient — only take back your words — tell me that Arthur 
is not false, and I will leave him. bear disgrace or death, only 
so that he may be free from every stain 1 

Lady T. 
(Strikes hell tz^'ice.) Poor child — would that I could spare 



64 HAZEL KIRKE [Act ii. 

the blow that duty — but no, there is something at stake of greater 
vahte than your happiness or my Hfe — the good name of an old 
and honorable race ! 

(Enter Barney.) 
This man will tell you I speak the truth — when I say you 
are not the wife of Arthur Carringford ! 

Hazel. 
(Rises; turns.) This man — why, he was witness to my 
niarriage ! 

Lady T. 
A Scotch marriage upon English ground, and so, illegal, 
worthless, void ! 

Hazel. 
(To Barney.) Can this be true? 

Barney. 
Heaven forgive us^ miss — it is ! 

Hazel. 
True ! That is what he meant when he said he had not 
done his duty to me as a wife ! He, my Arthur — my brave, gen- 
tle, manly Arthur, has deceived me — betrayed me, who trusted 
him as though he were a god ! Oh, my heart is breaking — I 
shall die — I shall die ! (Kneels before sofa R. sobbing.) (Second 
music ready.) 

Lady T. 
(Goes to her; puts arms around her.) Courage, child, 
courage ! 

Hazel. 
(Rising; throws her arm off; goes L.; faces R.) Courage 
for what — to face the agony of love deceived here in my own 
heart ; to face the taunting finger of a cruel world pointing at 
my shame ? No, never ; he shall right my wrong ; he shall make 
me an honorable wife or — 

Lady T. 
(Staggering.) Peace, girl, or you will add my murder to 
his other crimes ! (Falls back on sofa.) 

Hazel. 
Murder, no — forgive me ; I have done wrong enough ; I see 
it all ! It is my father's curse ; my father's curse ! 

(Music.) 
You have asked me to fly for his sake ; the sake of the man 
who has degraded me — here is my answer ; I accepted these as 
tokens of love given to an honored wife — he shall have all — all ! 



Act II.] H AZ E L K 1 RK E 65 

(Has been taking off jcivelry and piittiui:^ it on table: about 
to take off weddinij^ ring: stops.) No. no, not this, my marriage 
ring" ! This I have bought by a wife's love — a woman's perdi- 
tion — this I will keep ! ( Going.) The rest I leave forever — -I go 
to cover up his infamy with my shame — and may Heaven for- 
give you all ! (Exits L.) 

(Lady T. staggers; falls back dead on sofa; music 
stops : Barney runs to her, as quickly falls the) 



CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

(Scene: Bvening. Kitchen at Blackbourn mill: door 
lit by glo7i' of tire: clothes-horse zvith toivels on it, be- 
fore tire: clock and cupboard R., in which are pipe and 
matches, tobacco, food, dishes, etc.: lighted candle on 
table C.) 

(Mercy and Dolly discovered at table up C, zuliich 
is between two chairs — ironing. Music at rise: lights 
half dozvn: clock strikes eight.) 

Mercy. 
Eight o'clock — it's time for evening' prayers, Dolly. Go to 
the mill and call Joe and Dan ! 

Dolly. 
All right, aunt ! (Exit R. I. E.) 

Mercy. 
Now, to put away the linen ! (Does so in drawers R.) 

(Met plays pipe outside.) 
(Starts.) What's that ? (Listens.) 

(Pipe stops.) 
Strange — Met used to play that tune — and it sounds like 
Met's pipe, too — what can it mean? Has he left Hazel? Aye — 
perhaps he's coom to see me — with news of her! (Goes: opens 
door: calls.) Met, Met, is that you ? Met, Met ! 

(Met, pale, ragged, haggard, enters R.) 
(Pulling him in.) It is you ! Come in, lad ; come in and 
tell me the news ! What's the word — speak, lad, speak ! 

Met. 

I want her — where is she? 

Mercy. 
Who? 

Met. 
Hazel — I want her — I've tramped 400 miles to find her! 

Mercy. 
!\Iy heart, lad — what are you saying? 

AlET. 
I must see Hazel — she's here ! 



Act III.] H A Z B L K I R K U 67 

Mercy. 
Hazel — Hazel here ! Nb, she's not here ! 

(Met falls into chair.) 
Mercy on us — what's coom to thee? 

Met. 
Xot here ! \\'here can she be ? Where can she be ? 

Mercy. 
Wi' her hoosband. I suppose! 

Met. 
No, no — she left him a month ago ! 

:\lERCY. 
Left him — why? 

Met. 

I don't know ! 

Mercy. 
Where did she go? 

Met. 

I thought she'd coom here, so I followed her on foot! 
(Risiiig.) But I'll go back— I'll walk till I die, but I'll find her! 

Mercy. 
Ah. what do you mean, ]\Iet — what do you mean? 

Met. 
I mean there's something wrong. That man's mother came 
to the house ; she was found dead there and Hazel gone ! 

Mercy. 
Great Heavens, Met — you frighten me ! 

Met. 
Hazel is somewhere, wandering — as I have been for a 
month — ill, starving, perhaps — as I am! I'll go to her — I must — 
I will find her! (At porch door.) 

Mercy. 
Stop — and I'll go with thee, lad! 

Met. 

(Goes to her: takes hand.) Oh, mistress, God will bless 
you for that word ! 

Mercy. 
P)Ut you must wait till after prayers^Dunstan would miss 
me if I went off now ; he'd ask questions — and oh, ]\Iet, he must 
not know ; he's been verv ill, this news would kill him ! 



68 HAZEL K I R K B [Act iii. 

Met. 
Then, mistress, go to the master; I'll run down to Squire 
Rodney's house. If I can find him, he'll help us! 

Mercy. 
Aye — so he will, lad. Go, go quickly ; I will meet you at 
his house within an hour ! 

Met. 
(Going.) Never fear, we'll find her now, for sure! (Exits.) 

Mercy. 
Now to get ready to find Hazel ! 

(Dolly enters: foUoivcd by Joe and Dan.) 

Dolly. 
We're all here now, aunt ! 

Mercy. 
Aye — all — all but the one who ought to be here the most ! 

Dolly. 
What do you mean, aunt? 

Mercy. 
I cannot tell thee now — tomorrow, perhaps ! Come, come, 
child. (Exnent Omnes L.) 

(Pause: knocks on door, repeated: door opens — Green 
appears: looks around: beckons: Arthur enters.) 

Arthur. 

Well? 

Green. 

Not a soul in sight — all as quiet as the grave! 

Arthur. 
(Pointing door L.) Look yonder — she may be inside! 

(Green opens door: recoils: lifts hat.) 
Well ? 

Green. 
They are at prayers ! 

Arthur. 
(Lifts hat.) And Hazel? 

Green. 

Is not among them ! 

Arthur. 
Shall I never find her — never see her precious face again? 
("Abide zvith me" sung off: they listen reverently.) 



Act Jli.] HAZEL KIRK R 69 

Green. 

(At end of song.) Their prayers are over now they'll 

soon he here — and when they come, we'll ask them, if they have 
heard anything of yonr — of her ! 

Arthur. 
And if she has not been here— what are we to do? 

Green. 
Vou may not believe it — but I be hanged if I know ! 

Arthur. 
1 have searched for her everywhere — without finding a trace. 
My last hope has been to find her — if we fail now I shall believe 
the worst ! 

Green. 
And what is that? 

Arthur. 
That she has taken her own life ; murdered by me ! Oh. 
the thought drives me mad — drives me mad! (Rises; goes 
down R.J 

Green. 
(Starting.) Merciful Powers! 

Arthur. 
(Rising.) What is it? 

Green. 
We forgot — when they come here, they'll recognize you I 

Arthur. 
And, if they do? 

Green. 
The old miller hates you! If he knows where Hazel is — 
you're the one man in the world, he'll keep her hidden from ! 

Arthur. 

What are we to do? 

Green. 
Leave me to get the truth from Dolly! Once J set her ton- 
gue at work, we'll soon know all ! Go — wait outside, till 1 have 
had a chance to make her talk ! 

Arthur. 
(Going.) You'll find me at the old seat near the lock! The 
moment vou sfet news — 



70 HAZEL KIRK E [\a \u. 

Green. 

I'll fly like lightning to tell you all! 

Arthur. 
(Pausing at doorzvay.) If we do not find her this time — 
i shall despair — despair ! (Exit.) 

Green. 
Poor fellow — he's broken-hearted, and I— I've no more 
backbone than a caterpillar ! 

Dolly. 
(Outside.) All right, aunt, I'm going! 

Green. 
(Starting.) Dolly's voice — she's coming ; she'll see me ! The 
shock might shake her; I'll spare her feelings for a while! 
(Leaves glove on table; hides behind horse.) 

(Enter Dolly, ivith basket and candle, followed by Joe 
and Dan.) 

Joe and Dan. 

(Together.) Good-night, Miss Dolly! 

Dolly. 
Don't forget to tell Squire, Rodney, that Uncle Kirke wants 
to see him here to-night ! 

Joe. 
I'll see and tell the Squire myself! (Folloii.'s Dan off R.) 

Dolly. 

(Goes to table; sees glove.) Dear me — what's this, a glove! 
Who's? A man. (Smells: sternly.) Pittacus — as sure as I'm 
a woman ! So he's been here and gone away without a word ! 
(Green appears.) That's just like the heartless brute! Six weeks 
since he left me, promising to go and see Hazel, and bring me 
news of her — not a word from him yet! (Weeping.) Oli. these 
men, these men, why were they ever made? I can't see the use 
of the faithless things ! 

(Green behiiid her: grimacing.) 

( Eidignantly.) Oh, don't I wish I had him here now! 
(Dozvn C.) How I would make his ears burn and his head ache ! 
(Green dodges behind screen.) 

How I'd warm his brazen cheeks for him! (Slaps glove 
across hand: begins to take off tozvcls from horse: slaniniing them 
into basket.) 

(Green dodges behind clothes that are left: comic business.) 

The base, deceitful hypocrite! (Slams tozvel in basket.) 



Act III.] HAZEL K I R K E 71 

pretending he couldn't live a day without me! (Same) And then 
leaving nie here — (Same) for weeks and weeks (Same) with a 
breaking heart ! 

(Green snatehes off last towel.) 
(Starts.) Mercy — who's that? What — vou there, Mr. 
Green? (D. C.) 

Green. 
(Gettiiii::; doz^'u tozvard her.) No, Dolly, I was there, but 
now I'm here! (Has eome near her.) And I'm not Green any 
more, Dolly, but blue — truly blue to see you so severe ! (Kneels.) 
Pitty Blue! 

Dolly. 
(Sternly.) What are you doing here, sir? 

Green. 
Kneeling, I believe — and you may not believe it. but it isn't 
an k-neesy thing for me to do! (Rises.) Ha, ha — dy'e see? 

Dolly. 
Yes — I see a donkey! 

Green. 
(Embraces her and sings to the air of "Comin' Thro' the Rye.") 
If a donkey meet a donkey. 

Need a donkey sigh ? 
And if a donkey kiss a donkey, 

Need a donkey cry? (Kisses her.). 

Dolly. 
• Don't touch me, sir! 

• Green. 
Sir, to me — that's queer! 

Dolly. 
Queer — I should think it was queer! (Sits in ehair L. of 
table C.) 

Green. 
Dolly. Dolly, I say! 

Dolly. 
Who cares what you say? 

Green. 
But, Dolly. I want — 

Dolly. 
Who cares what vou want? 



72 H A Z n L K I R K E [Act in. 

Green. 
But really, my darling! 

Dolly. 
Tilt, tut ; don't dare to darling me after what's happened ! 

Green. 
What's happened? 

Dolly. 
Oh, you know well enough ! 

Green. 
(Aside.) Hang it — Hazel's been here — : told her all, and 
she thinks I've been an accomplice in this infernal business! 
(Aloud.) Don't, Dolly, don't! 

Dolly. 
Don't what, sir? 

Green. 
Suspect me — I'm not the man who did it! 

Dolly. 
(Ama.ced.) You are not the man who did it? 

Green. 
I'm not the man ! 

Dolly. 
(Aside.) Not the man who deserted me all these weeks ! 
He says this to my face! (Aloud.) Oh, you brazen rogue! 
(Runs to him.) 

Green. 
No, it's Barney — Barney O'Flynu who did it ! 

Dolly. 
Barney O'Flynn — who's she? 

Green. 
He isn't a she — he's a he! 

Dolly. 
What are you talking about? 

Green. 
Barney O'Flynn ! 

Dolly. 
What about her? 

Green. 
Hansf it— he isn't her ! 



Aft UL] H A Z B L K I R K li 73 

Dolly. 
What is she ? 

Green. 
Look here — I .say Barney's a man : a male : a mascuHne — of 
the Irish gender — now, do you understand? (Crosses L.) 

Dolly. 
Oh — so you pretend it's a man that's kept you away all this 
time? 

Green. 
(Sitting L. of table.) Yes, and the most unmitigated ass 
of a man I ever saw — Dolly, if Hazel told you I was to blame — 

Dolly. 

(Sits R. of table: Jeans over.) Hazel told me? How could 
she tell me anything? 

Green. 
(Pncded.) Eh ? 

Dolly. 

I haven't seen her blessed face for a year — and will never 
see it again, Fm afraid ! 



Hasn't Hazel been 


Green. 
here ? 


Here ? 


Dolly. 


Don't you know? 


Green. 


Know what ? 


Dolly. 


N-nothing ! 


Green. 



Dolly. 
What do you mean by all this talk? 

Green. 
X-nothing — except — that is — I only mean to — to — hang it — 
to— 

Dolly. 

(Fiercely.) Pittacus, you're deceiving me ; something's hap- 
pened — don't deny it ! 

Green. 
I don't! 



74 HAZEL KIKKB [Act nr. 

Dolly. 
(Seising his arm.) Where's Hazel ? 

Green. 
Bless me — that's what I wanted you to tell me ! 

Dolly. 
Then you don't know where she is? 

Green. 
No — ding it — 1 wish I did ! 

Dolly. 
Haven't you see her, then? 

Green. 
Oh, yes — that is, no — not since — 

Dolly. 
Not since when? 

Green. 

Well — if you will have it — since she ran away ! 

Dolly. 
Ran away — from whom? 

Green. 
From her — that is, Lord Travers ! 

Dolly. 
Her husband, you mean? 

Green. 
Y-yes — I suppose so ! 

Dolly. 
Suppose so? Don't you know he's her husband? 

Green. 
(Rising.) I don't — don't know anything — I only know that 
life's a nuisance — and it's a swindle to be born ! 

Dolly. 

(Kneeling to him as he sits in chair a short distance in front 
of door L.) Pittacus, Pittacus, what does this mean? You're 
hiding something. What's come to Hazel : why has she run 
away : why do you talk so strangely ? 

Green. 
Dolly, my darling — hang it — don't look so miserable, and 
I'll try to tell you all. You see — 



Act III.] HAZE L K I R K B 75 

DUNSTAN. 

(Outside: calling.) Dolly, Dolly, child! 

Dolly. 
(Starting.) That's her father! He's wanting me— hurry, 
tell me all, quickly! 

Green. 
]\j-.o, no — not now : he'll come and hear me and he must 
never know ! 

DuNSTAN. 

(Outside.) Dolly, I say — where are ye? 

Green. 
(Jumping up: getti)ig hat and gloi'es.) I must run, dear! 
Meet me outside near the old tree, where we used to talk so 
much — the moon is shining! I'll wait for you and when you 
come I'll tell you all ! 

Dolly. 

All right — I'll go to you the moment I can get away from 
my uncle ! 

DuNSTAN. 

(Outside.) Are ye never coomin', Dolly? 

Dolly. 

Yes, uncle — I'm coming! 

Green. 
Why don't the old bear coiue here to you? 

Dolly. 
Poor old heart — he's blind! 

Green. 
Blind ? 

Dolly. 

Yes — just after you went away — he got news of some kind, 
that made him awfully ill — for days he was out of his head- 
raving about Hazel, and when the fever went away, it left him 
blind ! 

Dunstan. 
(Appearing in door':i'ay: very old and broken.) Dolly, child 
—what keeps ye so long when ye hear me call? 

Dolly. 
(Going L. and leading him.) I had work to finish here, 
uncle ! 



76 H A Z n L K I R K B [Act iii. 

DUNSTAN. 

(Sitting.) Give me my pipe, child — I have much thinking 
to do to-nig'ht, and nothing helps me think like my pipe ! 

Dolly. 
All right, uncle! (Goes to Green: sees him out of door: he 
points outside: seems to ask her if slie'll meet Jiim: she gestures, 
''ves." He kisses her loudly and exits R.J (first music ready.) 

Dun STAN. 
What be that? 

Dolly. 

(Getting pipe and tohaeco: gets above table C.J What's what, 
uncle ? 

DuNSTAN. 

(R. of table.) That noise! 

DO'LLY. 

What noise? 

DuNSTAN. 

'Twere a noise like a kiss, girl ! 

Dolly. 

Oh, it must have been the sputtering of the fire ! 

DuNSTAN. 

The only fire I ever heard spooter like that, be the fire o" 
love, lass ! Who's been here ? 

Dolly. 

(Carelessly.) When ? 

DuNSTAN. 

Joost now. 

Dolly. 
Here's your pipe, uncle — will I light it for you ? 

DuNSTAN. 

Aye, girl, do. (Bus. of lighting pipe.) I wish thee could 
light my eyes as easy as the pipe. 

Dolly. 
Ah, uncle, don't talk like that — I can't abide it ! 

DuNSTAN. 

There, there, child — I'm a weak old fool to bother thee with 
my burdens. Go, find thy Aunt Mercy — she be above stairs ; tell 
her I moost see her here, and then get to bed ! 



Act III.] HAZEL K J R K B 77 

Dolly. 
All right, uncle! (Goiiii:^ L.) I'll not go to bed this night, 
till I've got news of Hazel! (Exits.) (Music.) 

(Ha:;cl appears outside : lookiug through icindox^'; opens 
easeiiient; pale and ragged; sees Dunstan; pauses.) 
(Music stops.) 

DUNSTON. 

(Laxiug doi^'u pipe zcith sigh.) There's no use, even the 
pipe can't coonifort me to-night ; I moost tell my poor wife a" 
now ! It's hard, bitter hard, to leave the aud mill — a pauper, 
too — boot it moost be done ; better starvation, death, anything, 
than more debt to Squire Rodney ! Oh, that faithless girl o' 
mine — my only bairn ; why should she have been her feyther's 
curse? Oh, my heart is heavy — would that I were dead, were 
dead ! (Sobs.) 

(Hasel moans.) 

(Starts up.) What's that? 

(She closes i^'indozc sha-rply: disappears L.J 

Who's there — someone at the window — who is it? (Feels 
■zcay tozvards it.) (Enter Mercy.) 

^Iercy. 
What art doin' there. Dunstan? 

Dunstan. 
I could ha' sworn I heard someone at the window ! 

Mercy. 
(Starting.) Someone at the window? 

Dunstan. 
Aye — I heard a noise like a moan — and then when I cried 
out — it seemed as though the v/indow were closed quick and 
sharp ! 

Mercy. 
(Aside: dozen L.) What if it were Hazel — she may be there 
longin' to return. (Aloud.) Come, Dunstan, sit down and let 
me speak to thee — perhaps I can mak thee oonderstand the noise 
at the window! (Goes and leads him to chair.) 
(Hazel appears as before.) 

Dunstan. 
(Sitting.) \\'hat dost think it were, wife? 

Ml-RCV. 

Dost know what day this be, sweetheart? 

DUNST.XN. 

Thursdav — I believe ! 



78 HAZEL K 1 R K n [A.-t lir. 

Mercy. 
Yes. Thursday, the 10th day of October! 

DUNSTAN. 

Ah ! 

Mercy. 
This day two-and-twenty year ago our Hazel were born ! 

DuNSTAN. 

Hist, wife, hist — don't mind me o' that now ! 

Mercy. 
Why not, dear — that were a sweet day to us then ! 

DuNSTAN. 

Aye. but it is a bitter day to us now ! 

Mercy. 
i^^eyther, what if thy child were at thy door now — longin' 
to coom back to the old home? 

DuNSTAN. 

I'd bid her begone ! 

Mercy. 
Oh, Dunstan ! 

DuNSTAN. 

I'd point to these sightless eyes — an' say this is thy work — 
I'd point at thee and say, look at thy moother — a beggar wi' thy 
feyther in the street- — thy work, too ! 

Mercy. 
What dost mean, Dunstan? 

Dunstan. 
I mean, Mercy, wife, that the end has coom — I owe every- 
thing to Squire Rodney — an' debt to him I can bear no longer — 
I've sent for him to coom, this very night and take possession o' 
the mill — to-morrow you an' I an' Dolly, moost wander out beg- 
gars, but no longer beggars to the man our flesh and blood has 
wronged ! 

Mercy. 
Dunstan, can ye never forgive? 

Dunstan. 
Never! (Wind.) Strangers she choose — to strangers let 
her look, for she be dead to us forever! 

(Ha::cl, zvith moan of despair, disappears R., leaving 
zvindozv open.) 
(Starting.) Hark — that moan again? 
(Second music ready.) 



Act TIL] // . / Z /• L K J R K J-. 79 

Mercy. 
(Going to "a-iiidnz^'.) Aye and see — the winflo-.v's open ! 
Oh, Dunstan, it may he our child — our Hazel! 

DUNSTON. 

Hoot, woman — it were the wind (Ji'iiui ) A s-torm is 
comin' up — Maister Rodney ull not be here to-nii^ht ! We'll lock 
up th.e mill and get to bed — clo>e the window, wife, and bolt the 
door ! 

(Mercy goes to z^'iiidoz^': looks out.) 

(Feels his zvaytodoor R.) Then get thee to bed, Mercy — 
I'll go once again over the old mill I've loved so long — Good 
night, wife, and mav the angels be wi' vou — this last night i' the 
old mill! 

(Music fill he is off.) 

]^IERCY. 
An' my child may be out in the night — ht)meless and hungry ! 

(Third music ready.) 
Xo, no — I'll go for Maister Rodney — he will save Hazel and 
be able to break th.e iron of her father's will! (E.vifs; zceepi)!^.) 

(1 hird music.) 

Hazi-l. 
(Appears at zciiidoii'; slozcly opens door: steals wearily in: 
shivers over the fire.) Oh. how cold I am — but no fire can ever 
warm me again! (Looking around.) And this is home — the 
home that I have lost ; that I have cursed ! ]\Iy father's chair — 
how. often have I sat here upon his lap; my arms about his neck, 
and heard him sing his dear old songs — how often have I knelt 
here at my mother's feet and prayed! (Fourth music ready.) 
(Sinks on knees before chair.) as I can never pray again — oh. 
father, father. Heaven has heard your curse! (Music.) (She 
buries face zcifh sob in chair.) 

( Dunstan appears R.. stop music.) 

DUNST.\N. 
(Gropes across room: places hand on back of chair at zvhich 
she kneels; Hazel recoils zcith a moan.) (He starts.) What's 
that? (Wind.) Nothing but the sobbing of the storm — Ah, it 
does me good to hear it — it's the voice of my own heart — dear 
old mill, my eyes will never more behold thee, and my hands 
have felt thy timbers for the last, last time! W^ell, God's will 
be done; God's will be done! (Gropes way to door L.: lifts 
hands in prayer: e.vits.) (Hacel follozcs him across room: re- 
mo^c'cs the chair from his path near door L.: kisses lapel of coat: 
z\.'hen he e.vits buries her face /;; arms on chair, front of fire.) 
(Rodney enters L. 2, E.: buttoned up.) 



80 HAZEL K I R K E [Act III. 

Rodney. 
(Shaking hat.) A fearful night ! Dunstan sent for me to- 
night. I wonder — Is that you, Dolly — asleep? 
(Hazel starts: turns.) 
(Recognizing; recoils; kneels at her feet.) Hazel, here; 
back again — oh. Hazel, my angel — my poor suffering saint — 
bless you, for coming back ! YouVe brought life, salvation, joy 
once again to the old mill ! 

Haze;l. 
Oh, Mr. Rodney, don't kneel to me — don't speak to me — let 
me go ; let me go and carry the misery and shame I bring, away 
from here forever ! 

RODNKY. 

(Stopping her.) Let you go — never ! You bring misery 
and shame here — no, no — that's not true ! 

HazRl. 
Ah — but you do not know ! 

Rodney. 
Yes, child — I know all — I know that a villain wronged you — 
but the friend's heart ; the mother's arms ; the father's home are 
all open to ye now ! 

Hazel. 
Mr. Rodney, you know not what you say. My father but 
now a moment ago— declared that he would never own me in 
this world again ! Tomorrow he leaves this old mill, driven 
hence by my broken promise — by my open shame ! 

Rodney. 
No — that shall never be ! 

Hazel. .^ 

Alas, sir — who can prevent it now? 

Rodney. 
You, girl — you ! 

Hazel. 
I — impossible — he would never accept a service from such 
as I! 

Rodney. 
Yes, girl — one service — one that would pay his debt to me a 
thousand fold ! 

Hazel. 
What service is that? 



Act III.] HAZEL KIKKE 81 

Rodney. 
Keep the old promise- — become my wife ! 

Hazel. 

And would you marry me now ? 

Rodney. 
Yes. girl, and be the proudest man on earth to call you wife. 

Hazel. 
Oh. sir— I— 

Rodney. 
I know all ye"d say. child ! Your heart has been another's — 
you would never give me a wife's love — I do not ask it ! Oh, 
Hazel, if you will but marry me — it is only as a beloved daughter 
I will hold you ; a daughter I shall have the right to cherish and 
to guard ! 

Hazel. 
Oh. what shall I do; what shall I do? 

Rodney'. 
Be brave — marry me — save your father — bless your mother; 
bring joy and happiness to us all again ; speak — promise you'll 
do this!' 

Hazel. 

Yes — on one condition ! 

Rodney. 

And what is that, child? 

Hazel. 

Call my father — he is blind; he cannot sec me. If he con- 
sents to let me pay his debt to you — you shall have my hand, and 
I will be your wife ! 

Rodney. 
(Kissi]ig her hand.) Brave girl — Heaven will bless ye for 
this. I'll call your father instantly — wait here — you'll see — all 
will be well once more ! f Exits L.) 

Hazef-. 
Another promise 1 have made this noble man — this time I'll 
keep my word, in spite of my own miserable heart ! 
fE liter Rodney L., leading Dunstan.) 

DUNSTAN. 

But. Maister Rodnev — how did ve get in? 



82 H A Z E L K I R K E [Act ni. 

Rodney. 
Some good angel did it ; but enough of that — you sent for 
me — I was delayed ; I am here at last — tell me. what's the word 
tonight ? 

DuNSTAN. 

(Sitting as before.) Maister Rodney, for eight long years 
I've been in debt to "e — a debt I thought my child would pay — 
but — well, when she broke her faith and left us — I strove hard 
to niake the old mill earn enough to pay the money that! owed 
'e ! Fever laid hold on me and left me blind — all hope of work 
for me is over now ! I liave boot one way to pay my debt, an' 
that is to gi' ye up the mill ! 

Rodney. 
And do ye think I'll take it? 

DuNSTAN. 

Yes, for I shall leave it — I owe ye too much a'ready — 1 an' 
mine have wronged ye in every way! I'll go do penance for 
my child — as a beggar in the street ! 

Rodney. 
No, Dunstan — let Hazel do penance for herself — let all be 
as it were before — let her pay your debt and marry me ! 

Dunstan. 

She marry you ? 

Rodney. 
Aye — you know she's free ! 

Dunstan. 
Free of what — of stains of shame? 

Rodney. 
Come, come, sir — no more of that ! 

Dun.stan. 
No, no — she can never pay any debt o" mine ! 

Rodney. 
Dunstan — hear me — 

Dunstan. 
No, no — I'll not hear a word ! 

(Hazel kneels before him.) 
If she were here before my face, kneeling at my feet, 
prayin' for my consent to marry ye — I'd tell her nay — never! 
I'd tell her she had wronged ye bad enough wi'out makin' ye 
the hoosband of a dishonored creetur like herself! 

(Hazel falls.) 



Act III.] H A Z E L K 1 R K li 83 

Rodney. 

(Raising her up.) Silence, hard-hearted man — silence for 
fear the curse of Heaven should fall upon your iron will, and 
break its strength forever ! 

DUNSTAN. 

I do but my dut\-, sir, to you and my own pride! 

Rodney. 

So you'll not consent to have her marry me? 

DUNS'J'AN. 

( Rising.) Never, sir — good night; I'll see ye out and bolt 
the door. 

Rodney. 
Xot yet — go call Mercy and bid her come here! 

DuNSTAN. 

What do ye want of her? 

Rodney. 
(Leading hi in L.) Good advice — that you don't know how 
to give ! 

DrXSTAN. 

A' reet, sir; I'll send her, but mind this, Mercy has given 
her word never to set eyes upon her child wi'out my consent! 
I warn ye, she'll not lie even to please you, Maister Rodney — and 
so good-night, sir! (Exits L.) 

Rodney. 
(Crosses to Hacel, i^'ho sits dazed in chair.) Hazel, Hazel, 
dear, don't grieve — Hazel, Hazel — what's come to thee? (Puts 
hand upon her. She starts as if in dream.) Hazel, speak to me! 

Hazel. 
(Rising.) Mr. Rodney — do you love me still? 

Rodney. 
More than life or all the world, but as a father — Hazel, dear 
a father, and no other way ! 

Hazel. 

Tf you love me, leave me — let me alone to-night — to-morrow 
will settle all for the best. I hope ! 

Rodney. 
Must 1 leave you. then ? 

Hazel. 
If you care aught for my happiness! 



84 H A Z E L K 1 R K E [Act ill. 

Rodne;y. 
Rut we'll meet again ? 

Haze;l. 
I hope so — (aside) — m Heaven ! 

(Fifth music ready.) 

Rodney. 
Then good-night, my poor dear lamb — your mother's com- 
ing ; you can rest on her heart and be at peace ! Good-night ! 
(Kisses her forehead. Exit R.) (Music till curtain.) 

Haze;l. 

It is all over — I know the worst now — and I know my 
course — I'll go, and there in the water that brought so much 

misery to this house, I'll drown my sorrows and my sins ! 

(Going R.) Good-bye, old home — farewell, dear memories, 

sweet hopes — farewell, mother, father, friends — life! (Exit E.) 
(Pause; re-enter Dunstan.) 

DUNSTAN. 

Mercy has gone, Maister Rodney ; where can she be — eh ? 
Why don't ye answer? No one here; the house deserted — -what 
can it mean ? 

Met. 
(Outside.) Help! help! she's drowning, drowning — I saw 
her jump in — it's Hazel, Hazel ! (Rushing across bock from E.) 
Hurry! help ! help! 

Dunstan. 
(Iti horror.) Hazel drowning — dying, here, before my 
face — no, no — I'll save her! Ah, Heaven, I cannot — I am blind! 
(Falling on knees.) Oh, God, this is thy punishment — I was 
blind when I drove her out, and now when I could save her, 1 
cannot see ; I cannot see ! (Falls to ground.) (Stop music.) 



(CURTAIN.) 



ACT IV. 

(Scene: Same as Act 5. Jug of zcater and mug on 
table C. Dolly discoz'ered asleep in chair near table. 
Enter Green icith cigarette.) 

Green. 

(Sings line of "Molly Bazvii;" calls gently.) Dolly, Dolly. 
Dolly don't answer — Dolly's in Heaven now — and yet who would 
sleep alway? Not I, nor shall she. How lovely she looks — yes, 
a veritable sleeping beauty — but her time has come — the prince 
is here, and will wake her with a kiss. Will you — of course she 
will ! (Kisses her.) 

(Dolly makes motion as though brushing azvay a fly.) 
She takes me for a fly — I'll fly it again ! (Business repeated.) 
Fire in the shape of a kiss is a failure — we'll try smoke ! (Puffs 
smoke in her face.) 

Dolly. 
(Azcakes with a snee.'^e ; jumping L.) Pah — smoke — where's 
the fire? 

Green. 
Here — in my breast — consuming my heart for you ! 

Dolly. 
Oh, Pittacus, I'm so glad you've come; I've got so much 
to tell you — such strange things have happened ! 

Green. 
Strange — let's hear it — I adore everything that's strange — 
that's why I delight in you ! 

Dolly. 
Xo nonsense now — listen and explain if you can! 

Green. 
I can explain everything — except the power of a woman to 
make a donkey of a man. 

Dolly. 
Last night after I returned from my meeting with you — 
when you told me all about my poor dear Hazel — (Wipes eyes.) 

Green. 
Well ? 



86 H A Z U L K I R K B [Act IV. 

Dolly. 
I found Uncle Dunstan lying here, unconscious, on the 
floor — I was terrified ; called for help ; there was no one in the 
house — even Aunt Mercy had disappeared ; gone off to Squire 
Rodney's house to meet that crazy creature, Met ! 

Green. 
What did you do? 

Dolly. 
You won't believe me when I tell you ! 

Green. 

No matter — tell me all the same ! 

Dolly. 
Well, sir. I carried that big man into the other room and 
laid him on the lounge myself ! 

Green. 

The tale is a tough one — but — (Feeling her muscle) — you 
may not now believe it — but I believe it nowl 

Dolly. 
Aunt Mercy came in soon after — we worked for hours until 
we brought him to ; we've been up with him all night, for ever 
since he came to consciousness, he's been out of his head ! 

Green. 
Out of his head — that's nothing when you're used to it — as 
I am ! 

Dolly. 
You are? 

Green. 

Yes, and you're to blame ! 

Dolly. 
What do you mean ? 

Green. 
It's very queer, but I've always noticed that while a man 
may loose his mind — like old pig-head, your uncle, without its 
affecting his heart — he can never have an affection of the heart, 
without running the risk of losing his mind ! Now, I say, darling, 
did you ever feel as though you were losing your mind ? 

Dolly. 
Nfever ! 

Green. 
That's because you've no mind to lose, I suppose ! 



A.t IV.] HAZEL KIR K E 87 

Dolly. 

(Pitshiiis^ him off.) Not on your account, sir! 

Grkkn. 
There — forgive mc — I didn't mean it ! 
(Mercy a [spears L.) 

Dolly. 
Hush — my aunt ! 

Mkrcv. 
( .-Idz'ancini^j At last he seems to be aslee]) ! What! ^"ou 
here, 'Sir. Green? 

Grkkn. 
I Eniharrasscd.J Well, Madam — no — that is. yes — 1 rather 
think I am ! 

AIkrcy. 
.Vnd Hazel — mv child — have you any news of her? 

Green. 
(Confused.) Well, you see — that is (Aside to Dolly) 
does she know the truth ? 

DOLF.Y. 

Nothing' froiu me ! 

Mercy. 
Well, sir — can't you answer me? 

Green. 
Yes, of course — that is. T conld — if you — T — we — only knew 
what you meant. 

Mercy. 
Ml, sir — something terrible has happened — T feel it in my 
heart, hut I'm so dazed with grief, I can't quite make it out. 
Last night Met appeared : told me Hazel had left her hoosband 
and could not be found. I promised to meet him at Aaron Rod- 
ney's house ; I went there late la.st night — neither Met nor Maister 
Rodney could be found. 1 hurried home and found my husband 
dangerously ill ! What happened while T was gone, T cannot 
say — but T think Hazel must have come and — 

Green and Dolf.v. 
fToiiether: eagerly.) W'ell, well? 

Mercy. 
T fear he heard her; had a fit of rage, drove her out again! 
and was struck down by the power of his passion ! 



88 H A Z E L K I R K R [Act iv; 

Green. 

Impossible — if Hazel had been here she would not have 
gone without a word to you ! 

Mercy. 
It's hard to think it — and yet I cannot tell — cannot tell ! 

{Enter Rodney.) 
Ah, thank Heaven, Mr. Rodney, you've come — have you 
seen Hazel? 



Certainly— 


-here ! 




Rodney. 








Here? 






All. 








Last night 


— we 


were 


Rodney. 
to meet 


again 


this 


morning ! 


Where ? 






Mercy. 








Here ! 






Rodney. 








Then she i 


:s coming? 


Mercy. 









Rodney. 
Coming — has she gone? "' 

Mercy. 
We do not know ! ' 

Green. 
fStartiiii^.J Good Heavens — I have an idea ! 

Dolly. 
What is it? ] 

Green. 
I see it all — she's gone with her husband ! 

Mercy. ' 

Her husband? 

Green. 
He came down here to look for her ! When I returned to 
our lodgings last night, he was not there! I didn't mind it — for 
ever since she left him, he's had a fashion of wandering out 
at night till very late ! 

Rodney. 
Well, well, go on ! 



Aot IV.] H A Z E L K I R K B 89 

Green. 

W^hen I awoke this morning, he was not in his room ! 

DUNSTAN. 

( Outside ; calliiii^. J Water ! water ! 

Mercy. 
Hark — 'tis Dunstan ! 

DuNSTAN. 

(Appearing in dooncay: follozved by Joe.) Water! wattr! 
water ! 

Rodney. 
What does this mean ? 

Mercy. 
He's raving again ! 

Dunstan. 
Water — quick — I'm burning up! 

(Dolly gives him zvater.) 
This is the lake that burnest forever — remorse, remorse, 
remorse!. (About to drink; pauses: pushes zvater azvay.) 
Water — no. no, take it away — 'twas water killed her! 

Rodney. 
What's that he says? 

Dunstan. 
Hark ! I hear that cry again — Oh, God, save her, save her ; 
she's drowning, drowning ! , 

All. 
Drowning? 

Dunstan. 

liush — not so loud — see how sw-eetly she is sleeping! 

Mercy. 

fJl'itli c'-y.) Ah, I see it all — my child is drowned, 
drowned ! (Falls on Rodney's breast.) 

Rodney. 
No, no — it cannot be! (Supports Mercy to chair L.) 

Dunstan. 
Hush — not so loud, you'll wake her — yes. she was drowned — 
I did it; I held her till she died; I couldn't help it! Something 
forced mo on — what was it ? This hard, hard, hard heart ! 

Rodney. 
Horrible, horrible ! (Leans head on arms on table.) 
(Dolly zveeps on Green's shoulder.) 



90 H A Z E L K I R K E [Aot IV. 

DUNSTAN. 

See, see — there she goes to the mill ; she heckons nie — yes, 
yes, I'm coming, coming, coming! (Starts toivard R.: Joe leads 
him.) Yes, take me to the mill ; the noise there will drown the 
awful voices here, here, here! (E.vits witJi Joe, strikiig fore- 
head.) 

RoDNUv. 
(Aside in agony.) And this is the bitter end of all — no, no: 
there's something still to do! (To Green.) There is a duty here 
for you and for me, sir— let us go! (They start.) 

Mercy. 
(Startini!; up.) Where are ye going? 

Rodney. 
To see Hazel — there! (Poinfiiii^ oif C.) 

(Met phu's pipe merrily, off I,.) 

Mercy. 
Hark — 'tis Met — 'tis Met, and he has news of her ! 
(Met rushes in R.) 



Hazel — where's Hazel ? 

She's saved ! 

Saved ? 

Yes — by her hoosband ! 

Her husband? 



All. 
Met. 
All. 
Met. 
All. 



Mercy. 
Where is she, lad — where is she? 

Met. 

Coming here with him — God bless him ! 

Green. 

How did he save her? 

Met. 
Last night when she fell into the river — I called for help 
and jumped in — the river was running strong, and when I 
caught her in my arms, she was unconscious — I was growin' 
faint, and beginning to despair — when I saw a man standin' oi'; 
the bank — T shouted, he heard, and plunged in — : 



A.i-t IV.] !i A Z E L K 1 R K E 91 

RoDNIvV. 

(lO on, l)i"avc boy — go on ! 

Met. 
It was Hazel's hoosband — and ah — it's a stout heart and a 
strong- arm he has. He landed us both near Deacon Wood- 
ford's house — there we took Hazel, and there her hoosband 
nursed her liack to life — as she b.ad nursed him a year before! 

Mercy. 
Ciod bless liim — God bless him ! (weeps for joy.) 
(Hazel appears R.: folUnced by .■Irfliiir.) 

Hazicl. 
(Holdin;^ out arms.) ^lother! 

All. 
Hazel! Hazel! 

(All gather around her zAth expressiojis of joy and de- 
light : Met dances.) 

Green. 
Will you |X'rmit me? ( Kisses hand.) 

Rodney. 
(To Arthur.) You've won her now. sir — and I can't help 
l-)elievin|2^ you mean to right her wrongs. 

Arthur. 
Ah. sir — how can 1 right such wrongs as hers? 

Rodney. 
Ry making her your wife ! 

Arthur. 
My answer to that is this ! fGi-c'ing Rodney paper, who re- 
• tires up.) Ah, Green, this is a happy day, but T thank Heaven 
mv motlier never lived to see it ! 

Green 
What do vou mean ? 



Arthur. 
that wa 

Green. 



T told you of the shame that was overhanging our house ! 



You did ! 



Arthur. 
Well, I ordered my solicitor to settle my estate and satisfy 
every claim of Lady Maud's against my grandfather, if it took 
the last penny T had in the world ! 



92 H A Z E L K I R K E [A<t [V. 

Green. 
Well ? 

Arthur. 
He obeyed my orders, and there remains to me now — 
nothing ! 

Green. 
Nothing? / 

Arthur. 
Nothing but my own hands, my own brains, and the endless 
wealth of my love for her ! 

Green. 

(Grasping hand.) Travers, I congratulate you. You're 
more than a lord now — you're every inch a man ! 

Rodney. 
(Advancing C.) Can this be possible! Here indeed is 
cause for rejoicing! From this letter I gather that the inn at 
which the ceremony was performed was not on the English but 
on the Scottish side of the line ; therefore your marriage with 
Hazel was a legal one after all, and it seems that Barney, the 
scoundrel, was the only one to blame ! 

Green. 
Don't blame Barney — we ought to be very well satisfied that 
it wasn't on the Irish side of the line! (Goes up.) 

DUNSTAN. 

(Inside.) Save her ! Save her ! 

Hazel. 
Hark — what's that? 

DuNSTAN. 

(Inside.) Where is she; where is she? 

Mercy. 
Oh, Hazel, it is your father! 

Hazel. 
He will not drive me out again ! 

Mercy. 
No, no — he shall not — he cannot do it now ! 

Dunstan. 
(Appearing at door, follozved by Joe.) Let me get at her ; 
let me get at her — fools, stand back— give her air. air ! 



AH IV.) HAZEL KIRK a 93 

Hazel. 
Heaven lielp me — he's mad, mad- — what shall we do ; what 
shall we do? 

Rodney. 
Sing the song you used to sing to him so long ago — it may 
calm his wretched soul and soothe his brain ! 

(Ha::cl sings song of Act I.J 

DUNSTAN. 

(Listening.) Her voice, from Heaven — singing the old 
song. Xo — it's gone — I hear her shriek for help — let me out of 
this — whcrc's the door — bring me a light— a light ! 
(Hazel takes his hand.) 

Mercy. 

(At Hazel's side.) Have patience, ])oor heart — have pa- 
tience ! 

DuNSTAN. 

(Mistaking Hazel for Mercy.) Mercy, be that you? 

Mercy. 
Yes, Dunstan, I'm here at thy side! 

(Arthur advances chair.) 

Dunstan. 
I'm glad thee's coom — but why didn't ye bring a light — I'm 
aweary </ this darkness ! 

Mercy. 
Patience — sweetheart— the light will coom — the light will 
coom I 

Dunstan. 

\ye, Mercy wife, thee always brings the light to me; my 
precious, faithful, loving wife! 

Mercy. 
.\o, no, Dunstan — don't say that — for 1 have a sin to confess 
to thee ! 

Dunstan. 
(Sitting.) Thee a sin to confess to me — I'll not believe it! 

Mercy. 
It's true, Dunstan — I've broken my promi.se to thee! 

Dunstan. 

r>roken thv promise? 

Mercy. 
I've seen our child wi'out thy consent! 



94 // A Z E L KIR K E ■ [Ac-r iv. 

DUNSTAN. 

(Starting up.) Seen Flazel? (Sinkiug back.) Yes, yes— 
T know, I know — thee's seen her poor, dear, dead face ; thee''-; 
not seen her — she's there above praying to God to forgive me — 
forgive nie ! 

Me;rcy. 

No Dnnstan, no — it's not her body alone I've seen, bnt hei 
sonl, too — shining in her eyes wi' hving love for thee — her 
feyther ! . 

DuNSTAN. 

She's alive — saved, then ? 

Mercy. 

Aye, Dunstan — by her husband, the man who took her frcni 
thee has brought her back to thy old arms ! 

(Hazel kneels before him.) ' 

Dunstan. 
Where is she — where is she ? 

Mercy. 
Stretch forth your hands and feel her face ! 

Dunstan. 

(Feeling Hazel's face.) Who's this? 

Hazel. 
Thy child — thine only child. 

Dunstan. 
(Cries for joy. Pulling her up on his breast.) Hazel. 
Hazel, coom, coom to my heart ! 

Rodney. 
At last, Dunstan — the iron of thy will has melted in the fiic 
of a feyther's love ! 

Dolly. 
Oh, Pittacus, my happiness is perfect now ! 

Green. 
You may not believe it — but so is mine — no — not quite ! 
(To audience.) Will you permit me? Thank you! 
'Twas our way from earliest times of winding up the play 
A kindly custom — actors know its worth. 
Peace after pain, and after sadness — mirth ! 
You've seen to-night a conscientious man 
Afflict his soul, as only conscience can. 
You've seen the suffering he has caused and felt, 



Act IV.] HAZEL KIRKE 95 

Ere yet liis iron will was forced to melt. 
YouVe giiessed the lesson we would fain instill, 
That human heart is more than human will. 
You've shed your tears ; pray now, let me beguile 
Your friendly faces of one parting smile. 
You've seen me drifting through this mimic scene, 
And turning everything — 

(Taking Dolly by hand; leading her forward.) 
— wellj one thing Green. 
'Tis Nature's general and her favorite tint, 
And, therefore — well, I merely drop the hint. 
Green though I am — I've brought these lovers through. 
And what I've done for them I'll try and do for you! 
Don't brood on care ; the trouble that we make 
Is always hard to bear — and harder still — to shake. 
Smile on the world — the trouble that is sent. 
In patience take it as your punishment. 
For he wins who laughs — he does not care a rap-he ! 
.And so, like Pittacus, he's always hap-py! 



(CURTAIN.) 



)Ul B 1908 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




